Israeli Airstrikes Target Former Syrian Army Bases in Homs
Israeli jets have conducted airstrikes on military sites in central Syria, notably targeting a missile battalion near Homs. The strikes, which reportedly hit former Syrian army outposts, come amid increased tensions following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. The Israeli military has not commented on these actions, which are said to aim at preventing weapons from reaching Syria’s new authorities.
On Tuesday, Israeli jets conducted airstrikes on military sites located in central Syria, continuing a pattern of targeted attacks on Syrian military positions. Multiple sources report that the strikes focused on a missile battalion near Homs, leading to significant explosions, although no immediate casualties were reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group.
Two security sources indicated to Reuters that the airstrikes struck former Syrian army outposts in the villages of Shinshar and Shamsin, situated south of Homs city. These operations aimed at army fortifications suspected of containing military equipment. The Israeli military has yet to provide any comment regarding these recent attacks.
These airstrikes occur against a backdrop of increasing tensions following a recent spike in Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian territory, particularly since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in December. Israel asserts that its military operations are intended to thwart the flow of weapons to Syria’s new regime, which it accuses of connections to jihadist factions.
On the previous day, Israeli airstrikes on Daraa reportedly resulted in the deaths of three civilians, as reported by Syrian authorities. In another incident last week, Israeli forces targeted a command center of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Damascus, resulting in one reported fatality. Additionally, following Assad’s overthrow, Israel has positioned troops in a UN-monitored buffer zone on the Golan Heights and has advocated for the complete demilitarization of southern Syria, adjacent to its own borders.
In summary, Israeli airstrikes in central Syria have intensified, specifically targeting former Syrian military positions as part of a wider strategy to disrupt the potential armament of new authorities following Bashar al-Assad’s downfall. The strikes have, unfortunately, led to civilian casualties, emphasizing the ongoing volatility in the region. Israel’s military agenda continues to evolve against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions and security concerns.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
