Israel has intensified its navy operations in Syria, finishing up over 350 airstrikes prior to now 48 hours and advancing right into a buffer zone, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Israeli officers confirmed Tuesday. The strikes focused strategic weapon stockpiles, air protection techniques, navy airfields, and missile depots throughout Damascus and different cities. This aggressive push follows the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime by insurgent forces.
Strikes Goal Syrian Navy
The Israeli navy confirmed that its naval forces struck two Syrian naval amenities, destroying a number of vessels. “We’ve neutralized a lot of the strategic weapons stockpiles in Syria to stop them from falling into extremist arms,” stated Israeli Protection Minister Israel Katz. A non-public safety agency, Ambrey, reported proof of not less than six Soviet-era missile ships destroyed.
Talking from a navy base in Haifa, Katz introduced plans to determine a “demilitarized zone freed from weapons and terrorist threats in southern Syria” to make sure regional stability. “Whoever follows Assad’s path will find yourself like Assad. We won’t permit an extremist Islamic entity to behave in opposition to Israel,” Katz warned.
Buffer Zone Controversy
Israel acknowledged shifting right into a 400-square-kilometer buffer zone inside Syria, a territory established after the 1973 Mideast Battle. Israeli officers emphasised that the incursion goals to stop potential assaults on its residents and isn’t a transfer to occupy new territory. Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli navy spokesperson, denied experiences that Israeli forces had been advancing towards Damascus, stating troops stay stationed throughout the buffer zone for protection functions.
The buffer zone’s proximity to Damascus—simply 40 kilometers (25 miles)—has heightened tensions. The area has traditionally been a flashpoint, and Israel’s earlier annexation of the Golan Heights stays internationally disputed, besides by the US.
How Insurgent Group HTS Reacted?
There was no rapid response from the rebel teams, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, which have taken management of a lot of the nation. Their lightning advance ended the Assad household’s half-century rule after practically 14 years of civil warfare, elevating many questions on what comes subsequent.
The incursions have drawn sharp criticism from neighboring international locations and worldwide organizations. Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia accused Israel of exploiting Syria’s chaos and violating worldwide regulation. Turkey, a key supporter of Syrian opposition forces, labeled Israel’s actions as “occupational” and counterproductive to rising prospects of peace in Syria.
The United Nations additionally weighed in, with spokesman Stephane Dujarric urging Israel and Syria to stick to the 1974 disengagement settlement. “The incursion constitutes a violation of the settlement and dangers destabilizing the area additional,” he stated.
Submit-Assad Energy Vacuum
The autumn of Bashar al-Assad has left Syria in disarray. Insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) now controls a lot of the nation, however questions loom over Syria’s political future. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the strikes focused the previous authorities’s navy capabilities and expressed willingness to determine relations with the brand new Syrian administration.
