Israel has intensified its military operations in Syria, carrying out over 350 airstrikes in the past 48 hours and advancing into a buffer zone, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Israeli officials confirmed Tuesday.
The strikes targeted strategic weapon stockpiles, air defense systems, military airfields, and missile depots across Damascus and other cities. This aggressive push follows the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime by rebel forces.
The Israeli military confirmed that its naval forces struck two Syrian naval facilities, destroying several vessels. “We have neutralized most of the strategic weapons stockpiles in Syria to prevent them from falling into extremist hands,” said Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. A private security firm, Ambrey, reported evidence of at least six Soviet-era missile ships destroyed.
Speaking from a navy base in Haifa, Katz announced plans to establish a âdemilitarized zone free of weapons and terrorist threats in southern Syriaâ to ensure regional stability. âWhoever follows Assadâs path will end up like Assad. We will not allow an extremist Islamic entity to act against Israel,â Katz warned.
Israel acknowledged moving into a 400-square-kilometer buffer zone inside Syria, a territory established after the 1973 Mideast War. Israeli officials emphasized that the incursion aims to prevent potential attacks on its citizens and is not a move to occupy new territory. Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesperson, denied reports that Israeli forces were advancing toward Damascus, stating troops remain stationed within the buffer zone for defense purposes.
The buffer zoneâs proximity to Damascusâjust 40 kilometers (25 miles)âhas heightened tensions. The region has historically been a flashpoint, and Israelâs previous annexation of the Golan Heights remains internationally disputed, except by the United States.