Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across Syria, targeting strategic military sites and navy facilities, as its troops advanced deeper into the country. The Israeli defense minister announced that his forces had destroyed Syria’s navy, with at least six Soviet-era missile ships reportedly hit.
The strikes took place over 48 hours, hitting major cities like Damascus and other key locations. Heavy airstrikes were reported by Associated Press reporters in the capital overnight and into Tuesday morning.
Israel aimed to destroy strategic weapons stockpiles and prevent them from falling into extremist hands. The targets included air defense systems, military airfields, missile depots, and dozens of production sites.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the army will create a demilitarized zone in southern Syria to prevent terrorism and extremism. He warned Syria’s rebels that those who follow Assad’s path would end up like him, vowing not to allow an extremist Islamic terrorist entity to act against Israel.
The Israeli military denied advancing on Damascus, but its troops are reportedly within 25 miles of the city. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Israeli troops had come within 15 miles of Damascus, sparking regional fears.
Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia have condemned Israel’s incursion, accusing it of exploiting Syria’s disarray and violating international law. Turkey also condemned the move, calling it a display of an occupier’s mentality at a time when peace and stability emerged in Syria.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/syria-israel-airstrike-assad-war-b90edb8dbe8268dacf90e59ca601e2e3