Reports from major international news outlets or official statements from the Russian government

Israel Strikes Syria After Assad's Collapse, Destroys 90% of Air Defenses and Military Assets

Dec 13, 2024, 08:04 PM

Israel has conducted extensive airstrikes in Syria over the past few days, targeting and significantly damaging Syrian military assets and air defenses following the collapse of the Assad regime. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strikes destroyed over 90% of identified strategic surface-to-air missile systems, including 86% of Syrian air defenses, 80% of SA-17 systems, and 86% of SA-22 systems. The operations also resulted in the destruction of 27 fighter aircraft, 24 helicopters, hundreds of missiles including scuds and cruise missiles, and various military infrastructure. Key targets included the Fourth Division headquarters, a radar battalion in the Damascus countryside, defense factories and research centers in Masyaf, Mount Qasioun near Damascus, and Khalkhala Airport in Sweida. Airstrikes were reported in multiple locations such as Damascus, Latakia, Tartus, Hama, Sweida, Douma, and other strategic sites. The IDF stated that these actions aim to prevent Syrian military capabilities from falling into the wrong hands, and Israel now operates unhindered in Syrian airspace.