Reports from international news agencies or official military statements

Israel and US Launch Airstrikes in Syria After Assad's Collapse; Hezbollah Calls Situation 'Dangerous'

Dec 9, 2024, 12:55 PM

Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria, Israel has launched airstrikes across the country, marking a significant shift in the regional power dynamics. The Israeli military's actions come amid reports of U.S. airstrikes also targeting Syrian locations. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, has expressed concerns over the developments, labeling the situation a 'major, dangerous, and new transformation.' This response marks Hezbollah's first official statement regarding the toppling of its ally, Assad. The collapse of the Assad regime is expected to have strategic implications for Israel and the broader Middle East, as it captures a buffer zone in Syria and ends a longstanding border agreement. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are reportedly intensifying their operations along the northern border in response to Hezbollah's actions, which have included violations of the ceasefire.