Israel Expands Strikes in Syria, Targets Naval Fleet
Israel launched a series of airstrikes across Syria, hitting military targets and reportedly damaging a Syrian naval vessel. The attacks are the latest escalation in Israel’s efforts to prevent Iranian influence from spreading in the region and follows recent incursions into Syria by Israeli troops.
Images and videos circulating online showed smoke billowing from what appeared to be damaged ships at Syria’s Latakia port, although there was no immediate official confirmation from Syrian authorities about the extent of the damage.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the airstrikes, stating that the operation targeted Syrian naval assets involved in the transfer of weapons to Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group based in Lebanon.
“We took action to prevent the supply of missile systems to Hezbollah and thwart attempts to turn Syria into a platform for attacking Israel,” the IDF said in a statement. “The targets were carefully selected to minimize civilian casualties.”
International Response
The strikes prompted condemnation from the Kremlin. Russia, a key ally of Syria and Iran, expressed its concern over the Israeli military operation.
“We view this escalation with disapprovial and urge Israel to show restraint,” a Kremlin spokesperson said. “The Israeli strikes pose a threat to regional stability and violate international law.”
Meanwhile, the United States urged for a politically-led transition within Syria. While not taking sides in the conflict between Israel and Syria, the U.S. stressed the urgency for a peaceful resolution.
Israel-Syria Tensions
The airstrikes come after disagreements between Israel and Syria over the Golan Heights, an area annexed by Israel in 1981. Syria staunchly rejects Israeli control over the Golan Heights, and the border area has seen sporadic skirmishes.
Israel has repeatedly warned about Iran’s growing presence in Syria, alleging that Iran is supplying advanced weapons to Hezbollah. Israel views Hezbollah as a major threat, as the militant group’s cannons are in range of Israeli cities and towns.
In response, Lebanon condemned the Israeli airstrikes, demanding a halt to Israeli “aggression” in the region. The Lebanese Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling the Israeli action unhealthy for the stability and security of the region.
Escalating Tensions in the Region
Analysts believe the recent Israeli airstrikes could further complicate the tense security situation in the Middle East.
“Israel’s strikes send a clear signal that it will not tolerate the presence of Iranian forces or Hezbollah in Syria,” saidawahom.
“However, this escalation risks igniting a wider conflict, particularly with Iran and its allies,” the analyst warned.
Experts are closely watching the situation for signs of a wider regional conflict, cautioning that the current diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions may not be effective given the recent escalation.
