In brief
As tensions rise, Israel has conducted extensive airstrikes on Syria’s coastal region, focusing on dismantling military resources now in the hands of rebel forces.
Israeli military forces executed a substantial series of airstrikes on Syria’s coastline late Sunday night, targeting former positions of the Syrian Army, including missile warehouses and air defense sites, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). This increase in military action follows the recent power shift as rebel groups have ousted the Assad regime in Syria.The SOHR, an organization based in the UK, reported that the airstrikes were the most intense seen in the area since 2012, marking a significant escalation in Israel’s ongoing campaign in Syria. Up to 18 airstrikes occurred, creating powerful explosions that resulted in secondary detonations at ammunition repositories. Earlier in the day, additional strikes targeted radar installations at a military airport in Deir al-Zour, further indicating a robust military strategy by Israel.While the Israeli military did not officially comment on these latest strikes, officials have expressed their intent to prevent military assets from falling into the hands of extremists following the instability caused by recent regime changes. The SOHR has recorded more than 450 Israeli strikes in Syria since the collapse of Assad's government, which has effectively dismantled much of Syria's military infrastructure, including naval capabilities and several air bases.Israel has been actively maintaining control over areas in Syria along the de facto border, including parts of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. This area was claimed during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and is still deemed illegally occupied under international law. Amid these developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans approved by his government to expand settlements within the Golan Heights, citing security concerns stemming from the recent civil unrest in Syria.Ahmed al-Shara, head of the rebel coalition now in control of Syria, criticized Israel's justifications for its territorial actions, stating that the country has enough challenges to face without further conflict. He emphasized the dire need for stability and reconstruction in Syria, urging a focus on diplomatic agreements that avoid escalation.This continued military engagement underscores the complex interplay of power dynamics in the region, as Israel navigates threats from adjacent territories while ensuring its security interests are upheld.Gabby Sobelman and Vivian Yee contributed to the reporting of this story. Euan Ward is a reporter contributing from Beirut.
