Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple Syrian army bases early Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the two nations.
The strikes, which reportedly hit military positions in Syria’s southern region, come amid growing concerns over Iran’s presence in Syria and the potential for increased conflict.
Israel’s military confirmed the attacks, stating that they were a response to alleged Syrian hostilities, including recent attempts to transfer advanced weaponry to Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that it was targeting “military facilities used by Iranian forces and their proxies in Syria” and stressed that the strikes were aimed at “defending Israel’s security interests.”
Despite the intensity of the airstrikes, Israeli officials have insisted that the attacks do not signal an intention for a broader military operation in Syria. “We are not seeking further escalation,” said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
“These were targeted strikes aimed at neutralizing immediate threats, not a step towards a deeper incursion into Syria.”
The statement was in line with Israel’s long-standing policy of striking specific military targets in Syria, particularly those linked to Iranian-backed groups, while avoiding direct confrontation with the Syrian government.
Syria condemned the Israeli strikes as a violation of its sovereignty and a blatant act of aggression. The Syrian government vowed to retaliate, though no immediate counterattacks were reported.
“Syria reserves the right to defend itself against these aggressive actions,” said a Syrian military spokesperson.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, reported that at least 10 Syrian soldiers were killed in the airstrikes, although the IDF has not confirmed these figures.
The airstrikes come amid increasing tensions between Israel and Iran, which has long maintained a presence in Syria. Israel has repeatedly expressed concern over Iran’s growing influence in Syria, especially its efforts to establish military footholds near Israel’s borders.
Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group supported by Iran, is also a key player in the region, and Israel views its growing presence in Syria as a direct threat to its security. Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes in Syria over the years, primarily targeting weapon convoys and military facilities linked to Hezbollah and Iran.
The international community has called for restraint from both sides in the wake of the airstrikes. The United Nations urged Israel and Syria to avoid further escalation and warned that any significant military conflict in the region could have devastating consequences for civilians.
“We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to seek diplomatic solutions to prevent further violence,” said a spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General.
The situation in Syria remains highly volatile, with the country still mired in a civil war that has drawn in various international powers, including Russia, the United States, and Turkey. Israeli officials have made it clear that their primary concern is the presence of Iranian forces and their proxies in Syria, which they view as a strategic threat to Israel’s security.
As of now, Israel appears to be sticking to its policy of targeted airstrikes, but the potential for further escalation remains high. Both Israel and Syria continue to face challenges on the diplomatic front, with regional stability hanging in the balance.
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