Tel Aviv [Israel] The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes targeting military installations and weapon storage sites in southern Syria, the IDF announced in the early hours of Wednesday.
The IDF shared an operational update on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that the strikes were aimed at command centers and multiple weapons depots.
IDF’s Justification for the Strikes
The IDF stated that the presence of military forces in southern Syria poses a direct threat to Israeli civilians, and operations will continue to eliminate any potential danger.
“The IDF struck military targets in southern Syria, including command centers and multiple sites containing weapons, over the past few hours. The presence of military forces and assets in the southern part of Syria poses a threat to Israeli civilians. The IDF will continue to operate in order to remove any threat to Israelis.”
IDF’s Security Operations Along the Syrian Border
Israel has been actively monitoring and neutralizing threats along the Syrian border to ensure national security.
- In January 2024, the IDF confiscated over 3,300 weapons from Syrian territory, including:
- Tanks
- Anti-tank missiles
- Rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs)
- Mortars
- Surveillance equipment
- The IDF shared on X,
“Over 3,300 weapons have been confiscated from Syrian territory so far. Our troops continue their mission of frontline defense in Syria to ensure the safety and security of Israeli residents.”
Dismantling Syrian Armed Forces’ Military Infrastructure
In another January operation, the IDF seized and dismantled weapons and military infrastructure belonging to the Syrian Armed Forces, claiming that they posed a direct threat to Israeli civilians.
- The IDF reported uncovering a Syrian Armed Forces APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) loaded with weapons, anti-tank missiles, and explosive devices.
- Their official statement read:
“UNCOVERED: An APC belonging to the Syrian Armed Forces. During scans by our troops in key locations in Syria, our soldiers seized and dismantled weapons and infrastructure belonging to the Syrian Armed Forces. These weapons that could harm our civilians are no longer a threat, and we will continue to dismantle these threats on all fronts.”
Continued Regional Tensions
The latest strikes come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Syria, with the IDF frequently targeting Iranian-backed groups and Syrian military sites to prevent arms buildup near its borders. Israel has repeatedly warned against military entrenchment in Syria, stating it will take preemptive action to protect its sovereignty and civilians.