Israel Reportedly Conducted Over 300 Strikes on Syria Since Assad’s Fall

Israeli warplanes have reportedly carried out hundreds of airstrikes across Syria, including in the capital, Damascus.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) claims it has documented over 310 strikes by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) since the fall of the Assad regime on Sunday. Targets included Syrian Army facilities such as weapons warehouses, ammunition depots, airports, naval bases, and research centers.

Israel states its actions aim to prevent weapons from falling “into the hands of extremists” during Syria’s transition to a post-Assad era. According to SOHR, the attacks have hit areas in Aleppo, Damascus, and Hama, with over 60 strikes reportedly occurring overnight between Monday and Tuesday.

When asked about the strikes, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized Israel’s focus on protecting its citizens, stating: “We target strategic weapons systems, such as remaining chemical weapons or long-range missiles, to ensure they do not fall into extremists’ hands.”

On Monday, the UN’s chemical watchdog urged Syrian authorities to secure suspected chemical weapons stockpiles. While the exact quantity and locations of these weapons remain unclear, it is believed former President Bashar al-Assad maintained significant reserves.

Reports suggest many of the targeted facilities have been completely destroyed. Rami Abdul Rahman, founder of SOHR, said the strikes have “destroyed all the capabilities of the Syrian army” and described the situation as a violation of Syrian sovereignty.

The IDF denied claims that its troops entered Syrian territory, rejecting reports of tanks near Damascus as “false.” A spokesperson stated that IDF forces remain stationed in the buffer zone as previously disclosed. However, on Monday, the Israeli military released photos showing its troops entering the demilitarized buffer zone in Syria, where UN peacekeepers are based.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the IDF’s seizure of positions in the buffer zone as a “temporary defensive measure” until a longer-term solution is found. He added, “Our preference is for peaceful and neighborly relations with emerging forces in Syria. However, if that is not possible, we will take whatever measures are necessary to defend Israel and its borders.”