Pillars of smoke after Israeli strikes on Syria. Photo: Monsef Memari / Xinhua News / Profimedia
On Tuesday, 10 December, Israeli aircraft carried out about 300 strikes on targets in Syria, particularly in the southern part of the country and around Damascus, according to Israeli security sources. The main strikes were aimed at Syrian military bases, in particular at air defence systems and depots for surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, The Jerusalem Post reports.
Selective strikes on air bases and research centres
Syrian security sources reported that Israeli fighter jets struck at least three major Syrian army air bases, which housed dozens of helicopters and aircraft. In particular, the airfields in Qamishli in northeastern Syria, the Shinshar base in the suburbs of Homs and the Akrba airport southwest of Damascus were hit. In addition, the air strikes hit a research centre on the outskirts of the Syrian capital and an electronic warfare centre near the Sayyed Zeinab district.
Destruction of Syrian warships in the port of Latakia
On the same morning, Israeli media reported that IDF tanks were spotted at a distance of about 20 km from Damascus. According to Reuters, the Israeli Navy also conducted a large-scale operation, destroying several Syrian warships in the Latakia port area. This was confirmed by the Israeli Defence Forces, which noted that the operation was carried out in order to destroy the Syrian navy and prevent it from falling into the hands of hostile elements.
Israeli offensive southwest of Damascus
According to regional sources, Israeli troops have advanced 25 km into Syria in the area southwest of Damascus, reaching the town of Qatana, 10 km east of the demilitarised zone in the Golan Heights. At the same time, Israel refused to comment on these actions.
In his statement to the UN Security Council, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon stressed that these military actions were “limited and temporary” and necessary to address current threats to Israel’s national security. He stressed that Israel is not interfering in Syria’s internal conflict, and the strikes were aimed solely at ensuring the safety of citizens, in particular those living in the Golan Heights.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IDF to intensify operations on the Syrian border following the recent occupation of Mount Hermon by the Syrian army. In addition, Israel is actively working to strengthen ties with local communities, including the Druze, to ensure stability in the region.
