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Updated: December 14, 2024 1:26 PM IST 
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Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, Israel has reportedly initiated large-scale territorial expansions. According to Voice of Damascus, a Syrian news outlet linked to rebel groups, Israeli airstrikes targeted several areas in and around the capital Damascus. On Friday, strikes were reported in Damascus, As-Suwayda, Al-Qalamoun, Masyaf, Latakia, and rural Tartus. According to media reports, radar stations, warehouses, and scientific research centers were targeted during the strikes. Additionally, facilities near Mount Qasioun in Damascus, including warehouses of the Republican Guard and the Fourth Division, were hit. The Sabrin News agency, associated with Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, claimed that fragments of an Israeli missile landed in the Rukn al-Din district of Damascus. Israel justified the attacks by citing fears that chemical weapons could fall into the hands of rebel groups following Assad’s downfall.
Extent of Syria’s Losses
Israel’s operations reportedly lasted 72 hours, during which significant damage was inflicted on Syria’s defenses and military infrastructure. According to Israel, it destroyed:
- 109 anti-aircraft missile batteries,
- 34 radar sites, and
- 390 storage and launch facilities for missiles, rockets, and UAVs.
It is estimated that 70% of Syria’s air defense systems and 80% of its missile and rocket arsenal were obliterated. Israel also claimed to have destroyed numerous Syrian fighter jets, helicopters, and the country’s naval fleet.
Iran’s reaction: Blame on Israel and the U.S.
The collapse of the Assad government has dealt a severe blow to Iran, Syria’s key ally. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the events leading to Assad’s downfall. In a televised speech on Iran’s state-run channel, Khamenei declared, “There is no doubt that what transpired in Syria is the result of American and Zionist (referring to Israel) plans. We have undeniable evidence that leaves no room for doubt.”
Israel says destroyed over 90 pc of Syria’s surface-to-air missile systems
Prior to this, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced a major offensive targeting Syria’s air defenses and advanced military capabilities, destroying over 90% of identified surface-to-air missile systems. According to the IDF, the operation was part of a contingency plan developed in anticipation of a potential power vacuum following the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad. The strikes aimed to neutralize strategic weaponry to prevent it from falling into the hands of terrorist groups.
Hundreds of Israeli fighter jets launched a series of coordinated attacks over the past several days, delivering heavy blows to Syria’s critical military infrastructure. Targets included fighter jets, helicopters, missiles, UAVs, radars, and rocket systems.
Key Syrian airbases suffered significant damage. The T4 Airport near Damascus, housing SU-22 and SU-24 fighter squadrons, was completely destroyed. The “Ble” Airport, home to three fighter squadrons and a nearby weapons depot, was also hit.
In addition, critical manufacturing and storage facilities were targeted, including a pivotal Scud missile production site in Homs.
The IDF emphasized that these operations, conducted within 48 hours, aimed to degrade Syria’s advanced military capabilities and prevent strategic weaponry from falling into hostile hands amid rising tensions in the region.
