Syria Condemns Israeli Airstrikes as Violation of Sovereignty

Syria has condemned recent Israeli airstrikes, claiming they violate its sovereignty and exacerbate internal instability. The strikes primarily targeted military sites, resulting in casualties and significant damage, particularly to a military airport and a research center. Israel justifies its actions by asserting a need to prevent weapon flows to perceived jihadists, while tensions remain high following years of conflict in the region.

On Thursday, Syria firmly condemned Israeli airstrikes across its territory, labeling them a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty. Israel had stated that these operations aimed to strike at military capabilities within the country. Reportedly, the attacks hit locations near a defense research center in Damascus and resulted in at least four fatalities, as chronicled by war monitors following the Israeli air assault.

According to a statement by the Syrian foreign ministry on Telegram, Israeli forces executed airstrikes on five separate locations within Syria, asserting that this act infringes upon both international law and Syrian sovereignty. The ministry condemned the strikes as an unjustified escalation designed to destabilize Syria and worsen the plight of its citizens.

The Syrian government noted that the attacks led to significant infrastructure damage, including the near-total destruction of a military airport in Hama, causing injuries to numerous civilians and military personnel. Syrian state media reported concentrated strikes near the scientific research facility in the Barzeh neighborhood of Damascus.

In defense of its actions, the Israeli military announced it targeted military capabilities posed by the Syrian bases located in Hama and T4, as well as other military installations in Damascus. Israel has articulated its intent to thwart the distribution of weapons to the new authorities, which it perceives as jihadist factions.

Syria’s government emphasized that these strikes disrupt the nation’s efforts to recover from 14 years of conflict, suggesting a strategy aimed at normalizing violence within its borders. The Israeli military had previously indicated it conducted strikes on the T4 military base in Homs, emphasizing its focus on military targets.

Reports by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicated that four individuals, including personnel from the Syrian defense ministry, were killed due to the airstrikes on Hama military airport. The assessment noted that the raids incapacitated the airport’s operations, which included targeting runways and other facilities.

Furthermore, the Observatory observed that following President Assad’s removal in December, Israeli strikes have repeatedly targeted the scientific research center. Past military actions by Western nations, including the United States, have also focused on facilities associated with Syria’s chemical weapons program. In recent months, Israeli troops have advanced into a United Nations-monitored buffer zone near the strategic Golan Heights, advocating for the complete demilitarization of southern Syria, which borders the Golan Heights.

In summary, Syria has strongly condemned Israeli airstrikes, describing them as a severe breach of its sovereignty and a deliberate act to destabilize the nation during its recovery from prolonged conflict. The strikes have led to significant casualties and infrastructure damage, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region. Israel maintains its operations are aimed at neutralizing threats it perceives from jihadist factions in Syria.

Original Source: www.kpvi.com