An Israeli-based satellite firm has publicized images of Syrian targets demolished in a recent IAF airstrike.
The Israeli Air Force allegedly hit a military site in central Syria in the pre-dawn hours of 13 April. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Israeli airstrikes hit three targets, wounding seventeen and killing two soldiers. It was not immediately clear the nationality of the casualties. However, reports did indicate that at least some of the injured were Iranian personnel.
The released images of Syrian targets destroyed show that a large hangar and three nearby buildings were flattened in the attack on the facility located near the city of Masyaf in the western Hama province. At least one of the structures was believed to be housing an Iranian-built surface-to-surface missile factory.
While Israel typically does not comment on alleged attacks by its military targeting Iranian infrastructure, authorities have at least hinted to their military’s involvement—and to the likelihood of continued strikes. “We are continuing to operate on all fronts, including the northern one,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at an event in Jerusalem for families of fallen IDF soldiers. “We are not prepared to allow someone to entrench themselves in a way that endangers Israel,” he said. “Strength is the guarantee of our existence and is the crucial and basic condition for achieving peace with our neighbors.”
Two factors are likely going to allow Israel to continue targeting Iranian entrenchment to its North. First is the current inability of Syria’s air defenses to repel IAF craft in any substantial way. Second is Russia’s at least passive cooperation with Israel concerning their agenda. Like earlier strikes before it, last week’s attack was allegedly reported by Israel to the Russian military and government prior to its execution.