Israel launched a series of airstrikes in Syria on Wednesday, targeting air bases and other military sites, amid tensions with the new Islamist government in Damascus. The strikes, which were described as “a clear message and a warning” by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, aimed to deter Ankara’s influence in the country.
According to Syrian state media, nine people were killed in the attacks, which also targeted a site near Damascus. The strikes were seen as a response to concerns about Turkish involvement in Syria, with Israeli officials viewing the new government as a rising threat at their border.
Israel has been working to advance its goals in Syria since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in December, including seizing ground in the southwest and declaring a willingness to protect the Druze minority. The country’s armed forces have also blown up much of the Syrian military’s heavy weapons and equipment.
The Israeli Defense Ministry said its forces would remain in buffer zones within Syria and act against threats to its security, warning that any attempt by Syria to allow hostile forces on its territory would result in a “heavy price”.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Ankara of playing a “negative role” in the region, saying the country’s intention was to create a Turkish protectorate. The Syrian government has condemned the strikes as an unjustified escalation aimed at destabilizing the country.
The attacks were some of the most intensive Israeli strikes in Syria since Assad was toppled, with the Hama air base and several other military sites being hit. The Israeli military said it targeted remaining military capabilities at air bases in Hama and Homs provinces, as well as remaining military infrastructure in the Damascus area.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-airstrike-targets-barzeh-neighborhood-syrias-damascus-state-news-agency-2025-04-02