In a series of coordinated strikes following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) confirmed the destruction of Syrian military assets that could pose a threat, targeting aircraft, helicopters, and air defense systems stationed across various locations. Ground footage and videos released by the IAF verified the effectiveness of this aerial offensive.
According to the Israeli Air Force, “…In recent days, hundreds of combat aircraft and air force sorties have severely damaged advanced military capabilities and Syria’s most strategic weapons. This aligns with preliminary preparations conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in recent weeks following the collapse of Assad’s regime. The Air Force executed an extensive attack plan to eliminate these capabilities and remove potential threats to the State of Israel…”. The aerial campaign was carried out under the framework of Operation “Hats Bashan.”
This strategy aims to significantly degrade assets that could be used against Israel, including fighter jets, helicopters, defense systems, ammunition depots, rocket and missile launchers, radars, and other military resources. As of now, the IDF reported the destruction of 44 radar and electronic warfare systems, 27 fighter jets, 24 attack helicopters, a dozen cruise missile launchers, and nearly 400 missile launchers and components. Naval targets were also struck, including the destruction of veteran Osa-class missile boats in the port of Latakia.
The suppression and destruction of Syria’s integrated air defense system have enabled Israeli reconnaissance drones to operate almost unchallenged over regions that were previously off-limits due to local and Russian defenses. With Moscow’s forces pausing operations, Israeli attack aircraft now operate with unprecedented freedom.
A recent statement from the IAF noted, “…Approximately 80% of Syria’s air defense system, including the lethal SA-17 and SA-22 systems, has been destroyed. This includes hundreds of Sukhoi and MiG aircraft, attack helicopters, Raad and Scud missile launchers, cruise missiles, and chemical weapons systems…”. Some of the recent strikes targeting Syrian aviation assets on the ground were publicly shared by Israel, showcasing their operational freedom over Syrian airspace.
Some attacks were also aimed at depriving various Syrian rebel groups of weapons and ammunition that could potentially be used against Israel.
Like Israel, the United States is also capitalizing on Syria’s weakened air defenses. In recent days, the U.S. conducted a series of strikes against Islamic State positions, targeting at least 75 objectives using B-52H Stratofortress bombers, F-15E Strike Eagle fighters, and A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft.
With the Syrian situation still far from resolved due to the numerous actors involved, it is expected that Israel’s aerial offensive and ground advances will continue in the coming days and weeks to secure its position and further dismantle weapons and materials that pose a threat to its security.
Illustrative cover image. Credits: IAF.
You may also like: The German shipyard TKMS has begun construction of the first Dakar-class submarines for the Israeli Navy
