December 11, 2024 – The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced a massive escalation in military operations, claiming to have conducted approximately 480 airstrikes on strategic military targets across Syria over the past 48 hours. This follows the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, marking a dramatic shift in the region’s power dynamics.
According to the IDF, the strikes aimed to dismantle Syria’s strategic weapons stockpiles to prevent them from being seized by extremist groups. The offensive targeted critical military assets in Damascus, Homs, Tartus, Latakia, and Palmyra.
Key Targets:
•Naval vessels and anti-aircraft systems.
•Weapons production facilities, airfields, and missile stockpiles.
•Syrian naval installations, with 15 docked vessels reportedly destroyed.
350 of the strikes were conducted by manned aircraft, focusing on high-priority military assets, while the remaining attacks supported ground operations and neutralized weapons depots and launch sites.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Assad’s removal as a pivotal moment, linking it to broader efforts to weaken Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.
“We are witnessing a historic moment where the face of the Middle East is changing,” Netanyahu stated, emphasizing that the downfall of Assad represents the culmination of sustained pressure on Israel’s adversaries.
Despite the strategic victory, Israeli leaders expressed concerns over Syria’s future governance. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar highlighted the risks of extremist factions gaining control of chemical weapons and long-range missiles, reiterating the necessity of proactive measures to ensure regional stability.
The removal of Assad and the intensified Israeli military campaign signal a new chapter in the Middle East. While Israel celebrates the weakening of its adversaries, the uncertainty surrounding Syria’s leadership vacuum and the potential rise of radical factions pose significant challenges for the region’s future.
