Israeli airstrikes Syria/ Damascus after Assad/ Israeli incursion Syria/ Mideast conflicts 2024/ DAMASCUS/ Syria/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel launched a massive wave of airstrikes across Syria and moved troops into a buffer zone following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad. While Damascus adjusts to new leadership under opposition groups, Israel claims its incursion is aimed at neutralizing chemical weapons and securing its border. The move has drawn international condemnation, with calls for restraint.
Israeli Airstrikes and Incursion in Syria: Quick Looks
- Overnight Strikes: Israeli airstrikes targeted missile launchers, helicopters, and arms depots in Damascus and surrounding areas.
- Buffer Zone Entry: Israeli forces entered a 400-square-kilometer buffer zone, citing security needs after Assad’s fall.
- Assad Overthrown: Opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), ousted the Assad regime.
- International Response: Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey condemned Israel’s actions as violations of international law.
- Israeli Denial: Military officials refuted claims that troops were advancing toward Damascus.
Israeli Airstrikes Hit Syria as Troops Push into Buffer Zone
Deep Look
The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East shifted dramatically this week as Israel intensified its military actions in Syria following the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime. Overnight airstrikes rocked Damascus, targeting military infrastructure, while Israeli troops pushed into a buffer zone along the Syrian border.
The Situation in Damascus
Residents in Damascus are cautiously optimistic about the changes. “Damascus is more beautiful now,” said a shopper in the Hamidiyeh market. Stores have reopened, and the city’s iconic Bakdash ice cream shop now welcomes customers with a banner reading, “Welcome to the rebels of free Syria.”
Israeli Incursion and Airstrikes
Israel’s military presence in Syria has escalated since Assad’s ouster, with its forces moving into a buffer zone established after the 1973 Mideast war. Israel claims the incursion is necessary to prevent weapons stockpiles, including chemical arms, from falling into extremist hands.
In parallel, Israeli warplanes have conducted over 300 airstrikes since the Assad regime’s fall, targeting arms depots, missile launchers, and other military assets. The destruction is reportedly aimed at dismantling Syria’s military capabilities, ensuring the incoming government cannot immediately rebuild.
Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesperson, denied reports that Israeli tanks were advancing toward Damascus. He emphasized that troops remain within the buffer zone to secure Israel’s borders.
International Condemnation
Israel’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from regional powers and the international community.
- Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia: Accused Israel of exploiting Syria’s instability for territorial gain.
- Turkey: A major backer of Syrian opposition forces, condemned Israel for acting as an occupier.
- United Nations: Called the incursion a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement, urging both Israel and Syria to respect its terms.
Strategic Impact
Israel’s military campaign underscores its longstanding policy of preemptive strikes to neutralize threats before they reach its borders. Analysts believe Israel is using the current instability to dismantle Syrian military infrastructure, potentially shaping the balance of power in the region for years to come.
“Israel’s air force enjoys complete freedom of action right now,” wrote Yossi Yehoshua of Yediot Ahronot, noting the systematic targeting of weapons depots to prevent them from falling into hostile hands.
Looking Ahead
As Syria adjusts to life after Assad, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Opposition groups must establish governance, manage resources, and maintain public order in a country ravaged by nearly 14 years of civil war. Meanwhile, Israel’s actions have added a new layer of complexity to an already volatile region.
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