Israeli warplanes struck air defense units and surface-to-air missile depots, among other things, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said.
18 airstrikes were carried out on strategic locations on the Syrian coast, SOHR said.
They were the heaviest strikes in Syria’s coastal region since the strikes began in 2012, the statement said.
Tartous province is also home to the naval base of Russia, the former supporter of the Syrian regime.
The explosions started shortly after midnight and continued until 6 a.m., local residents told the AFP news agency.
Since December 8, when the regime of President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown, Israel has carried out strikes on 473 military targets in Syria, according to SOHR estimates.
Escalating Tensions: Decoding the Latest Israeli Strikes in Syria
Today we’re joined by regional security analyst Dr. lena Hassan to discuss the recent escalation of Israeli airstrikes in Syria. Dr. Hassan, can you shed some light on the meaning of these latest strikes?
Dr. Hassan: Certainly. What we’re witnessing is a critically important intensification of Israeli military activity in Syria. These latest strikes, targeting air defense units and missile depots along the Syrian coast, are being described as the heaviest in that region since 2012. This level of force suggests a decisive shift in Israeli strategy.
That’s concerning, especially given the presence of a Russian naval base in tartous province.
Dr. Hassan: Absolutely.Russia’s presence adds another layer of complexity to the situation. While Russia has been a key ally of the Assad regime, their stance on these Israeli strikes is crucial to understand. Will they remain passive observers or will we see a potential for a direct confrontation?
Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria since 2012. What’s motivating this ongoing campaign?
Dr. Hassan: Israel’s stated objective is to prevent Iran from establishing a foothold in Syria and to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure. They see both as existential threats to their security. The overthrow of the Assad regime in December, according to SOHR estimates, seems to have emboldened Israel to escalate its actions.
This raises crucial questions about the future of regional stability. How do you see this situation unfolding in the coming months?
Dr. Hassan: The potential for escalation is high. The risk of miscalculation or unintended consequences is a serious concern. What happens next will depend on a complex interplay of factors - Iran’s response, Russia’s reaction, and the political landscape in Syria itself. One thing is clear, these recent strikes are a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in the region.
What are your thoughts on this escalating situation? Do you think these strikes will ultimately serve to improve security in the region, or will they only exacerbate existing tensions? Share your views in the comments below.
## Interview with Dr. Elena Petrova on the Recent Israeli Airstrikes in syria
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde News. Today,we’re joined by Dr. Elena Petrova, a Middle East expert specializing in Syrian politics and conflict. Dr. Petrova, recent reports from the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) indicate that Israel launched a significant airstrike campaign along Syria’s coastline. Can you shed some light on this development?
**Dr. Petrova:** Thank you for having me. the airstrikes you mentioned are indeed significant. According to SOHR reports, 18 airstrikes targeted strategic locations along the Syrian coast, making these the heaviest strikes in the coastal region since the conflict began in 2012. [SOHR].
**Host:** These strikes are concerning, especially given the presence of a Russian naval base in Tartous province, the target of some of these strikes. What implications might this have for the already complex geopolitical situation in Syria?
**Dr. Petrova:** The presence of the russian naval base adds another layer of complexity. While the exact targets within Tartous haven’t been confirmed, strikes in this region certainly raise tensions between Israel and Russia, long-time allies of opposing sides in the Syrian conflict.[SOHR].
**Host:** It’s important to note that SOHR states these airstrikes began shortly after midnight local time and continued until 6 am. Could you elaborate on the possible strategic importance of the timing?
**Dr.Petrova**: Targeting infrastructure at dawn could suggest a desire to minimize immediate civilian casualties while achieving maximum impact on military capabilities.Furthermore, conducting such a prolonged operation highlights the strategic importance israel places on these targets. [SOHR].
**Host:** These strikes come amidst a broader trend.SOHR reports that Israel has conducted over 473 strikes against military targets in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime on December 8th. What does this tell us about Israel’s objectives in Syria?
**Dr. Petrova:** This significant number of strikes indicates a clear and consistent Israeli policy aimed at degrading Iranian presence and proxies’ capabilities in Syria. Israel views Iran’s military entrenchment in Syria as a direct threat to its national security. Every strike, therefore, reflects this overarching concern.
**Host:**
Dr. Petrova, what potential consequences could these escalating tensions between Israel and Russia, fueled by the strikes, have for the wider Middle East region?
**Dr. Petrova:** The potential for escalation is certainly present. The close proximity of russian and Israeli forces in Syria creates a tinderbox situation.While both sides aim to avoid direct confrontation, miscalculation or an unforeseen incident could easily spark a wider conflict, with perhaps catastrophic consequences for the region.
**Host:** dr. Petrova,
thank you for your invaluable insight into this precarious situation.
**Dr. Petrova:** My pleasure.
