Damascus, Dec 11 (V7N)— In the wake of the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government, Israel has launched a series of aggressive airstrikes targeting Syrian military installations, which it considers a threat to its national security. Over the past three days, Israeli forces have conducted nearly 500 airstrikes across Syria, focusing on strategic military targets.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed attacks on Syrian naval assets, including the destruction of 15 naval vessels at the ports of Al-Bayda and Latakia on Monday night. Footage from Latakia showed significant damage to ships and port infrastructure.

The IDF stated that its warplanes executed more than 350 airstrikes, while ground forces temporarily seized control of a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Key targets included weapons production facilities, ammunition depots, air defense systems, and sea-launched missile installations in cities such as Damascus, Homs, Tartus, and Palmyra.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the operation as a "major success," emphasizing that the strikes aimed to neutralize Syria's strategic military assets and prevent them from falling into the hands of hostile groups. The IDF claims that its efforts have significantly reduced the possibility of advanced weaponry being used against Israel.

British media outlet BBC confirmed the authenticity of videos showing the aftermath of the attacks, with extensive damage to Latakia's port infrastructure.

In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s stance against any re-establishment of Iranian influence in Syria. "We will maintain peaceful relations with Syria's new government if possible," Netanyahu said in a video message. "But if threats persist, we will take all necessary measures to safeguard our state and its borders."

The region remains tense as the situation unfolds, with international observers closely monitoring the developments amid fears of broader instability in the Middle East.

END/MSS/AJ