Israeli airstrikes on a Syrian facility allegedly involved in chemical weapons production have resulted in 25 deaths, escalating tensions in the region.
At a Glance
- Israeli jets struck targets in Syria, including a military research center in Masyaf
- The attack killed at least 25 people, including civilians and pro-Iranian militia members
- The facility was reportedly linked to Syria’s chemical and ballistic missile program
- Syria and Iran have condemned the attack as “brutal and barbaric aggression”
- The strike is one of the most violent Israeli attacks in Syria in recent years
Deadly Israeli Airstrike Targets Syrian Research Facility
In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Israeli jets launched a major strike on targets in Syria, resulting in at least 25 fatalities. The primary target was a military research center in Masyaf, which has been associated with Syria’s chemical and ballistic missile program. The attack, which occurred on Sunday evening, has drawn international attention and condemnation from Syria and its allies.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, reported that the strike killed five civilians, four Syrian soldiers, and multiple individuals working with pro-Iranian groups. The attack was described as “one of the most violent Israeli attacks” in Syria in recent years, involving 14 missiles.
"2 regional intelligence sources": #Israel strikes hit #Assad regime's main facility for conventional and chemical weapons several times
Center hosted team of #Iran military experts involved in weapons production
Unconfirmed claims: 14-missile attack killed 25 people#Syria https://t.co/TaA21OiZ6K
— Scott Lucas (@ScottLucas_EA) September 9, 2024
Syrian Response and International Reactions
Syrian state media initially reported 16 deaths and 40 wounded, with the death toll later rising to 25. The Syrian foreign ministry strongly condemned the attacks as blatant aggression. Syrian Health Minister Hassan al-Ghabbash described the strikes as a “brutal and barbaric aggression.” The Iranian foreign ministry also issued a statement condemning the attack, highlighting the complex web of alliances in the region.
“Our air defense systems confronted the aggression’s missiles and shot down some of them,” a Syrian military source told the state-controlled SANA news agency, indicating that the country’s air defenses were activated during the assault.
The strike caused significant damage to local infrastructure, including water and electricity systems. This latest attack comes amid heightened regional tensions, following the recent assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
Israel’s Strategic Objectives in Syria
Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes in Syria in recent years, often targeting Syrian forces or Iranian-backed groups. The primary objective of these operations is to prevent Iranian entrenchment in Syria, which Israel views as a key route for Iran to send weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon. The frequency of these raids has increased since the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians and soldiers.
“Officers from forces in the area working in the Scientific Research Centre confirmed to SOHR that the center is unrelated to chemical weapons and that officers from the Iranian ‘Revolutionary Guard’ have been present there for six years in the framework of developing short- and medium-range precision missiles, and during the current year, the line of developing drones joined it,” the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights added.
This statement suggests that the facility may have been involved in the development of conventional weapons systems rather than chemical weapons, as initially reported. However, the presence of Iranian Revolutionary Guard personnel at the site underscores Israel’s concerns about Iran’s military activities in Syria.
Implications for Regional Stability
The latest strike on Syria raises serious questions about the stability of the region and the potential for further escalation. With Hezbollah vowing to continue its operations until the war on Gaza ends, and Israel threatening all-out war to push Hezbollah away from its northern border, the situation remains highly volatile.
As tensions continue to simmer, the international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation of hostilities. However, with each side firmly entrenched in its position, the path to peace in the Middle East remains fraught with challenges.
