Syrian media reports indicate that Israeli warplanes have conducted numerous attacks throughout the country, including in the capital city of Damascus. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported over 100 strikes on military targets, with a research center suspected of chemical weapon production being among the locations hit. Israel has stated that these actions are aimed at preventing weapons from falling into the hands of extremists following the overthrow of the Assad regime.
Meanwhile, the UN Security Council is convening to discuss the situation in Syria after the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s government. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has documented hundreds of Israeli airstrikes in the past two days, including targeting a facility in Damascus allegedly used by Iranian scientists for rocket development.
The airstrikes coincide with warnings from the UN’s chemical watchdog for Syria to ensure the safety of suspected chemical weapon stockpiles. Despite Syria signing the OPCW’s Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013, chemical weapons attacks have persisted in the country. The OPCW has urged Syria to secure all chemical weapons-related materials and facilities.
In addition, Israeli military actions in the demilitarized buffer zone in Syria, near the Golan Heights, have raised tensions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced temporary control of the Area of Separation, citing concerns over the collapse of the 1974 disengagement agreement with Syria. Israel’s presence in the buffer zone is described as a defensive measure until a suitable arrangement is reached, with a focus on safeguarding Israel’s borders.
The recent developments in Syria, including the rebel capture of Damascus and the downfall of the Assad regime, have prompted responses from Israel and other international actors. Israel has expressed willingness to establish peaceful relations with emerging forces in Syria, while emphasizing the importance of defending its citizens and borders. The situation remains complex and potentially volatile, with implications for regional security and stability. Tausende israelische Siedler leben jetzt in der Gegend neben etwa 20.000 Syrern, die meisten von ihnen Drusen, die nach der Eroberung geblieben sind.
Israelische Angriffe in Syrien sind nichts Neues. Es hat zuvor zugegeben, in den letzten Jahren Hunderte von Angriffen auf Ziele in Syrien durchgeführt zu haben, die es mit dem Iran und verbündeten bewaffneten Gruppen wie der Hisbollah in Verbindung bringt.
Die israelischen Angriffe in Syrien sollen seit Beginn des Krieges im Gazastreifen im Oktober 2023 häufiger gewesen sein, als Reaktion auf Grenzüberschreitungen im Norden Israels durch die Hisbollah und andere Gruppen im Libanon und in Syrien.
Erst letzten Monat berichtete die Syrische Beobachtungsstelle für Menschenrechte (SOHR), eine in Großbritannien ansässige Überwachungsgruppe, dass eine Serie von Angriffen ein Waffenlager und andere Standorte in und um ein Gebiet in der Nähe von Palmyra getroffen hat, wo Familien von vom Iran unterstützten Milizkämpfern waren, wobei 68 syrische und ausländische Kämpfer getötet wurden.