Israel Conducts Airstrikes in Syria to Secure Border Against Extremists

Israel has conducted a series of airstrikes in Syria, targeting military depots and air defense systems. These strikes aim to prevent extremist groups from acquiring military equipment after recent shifts in power among Syrian rebels. Israel has increased military operations, conducting over 450 strikes since regime changes, amid ongoing international discussions regarding Syria’s governance.

On the night of Saturday into Sunday, the Israeli military conducted airstrikes targeting multiple weapon depots and air defense systems in Syria. This action, confirmed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, reflects Israel’s ongoing strategy to prevent advanced military equipment from being acquired by extremist groups following the recent shift in power among Syrian rebels. Overall, Israel reportedly engaged in attacks 75 times over the weekend, raising its total strikes in Syria to over 450 since the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

The strikes extended to sites around the Syrian capital of Damascus, as well as the cities of Hama and Homs. Israeli officials assert that they are carrying out these operations to secure their borders and mitigate the threat posed by potential extremist factions, particularly amid fears of a security vacuum after the regime’s fall. Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Israel’s military chief of staff, emphasized the necessity of these strikes in light of the instability in Syria, reaffirming that security measures would continue until Israel’s demands are met.

While there has been no immediate military response from the new Syrian authorities, there have been calls from Arab nations and France for Israel to respect Syria’s sovereignty. The anti-terror designation of the newly empowered rebel coalition, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, presents a complex paradigm for international relations, as these factions create an administrative governance amidst a backdrop of ongoing conflict.

Halevi articulated Israel’s position, stating, “There was a country here that was an enemy state, its army collapsed, and there is a threat that terrorist elements could reach here”. He made it clear that Israel does not intend to influence Syria’s future governance but will take necessary actions to safeguard Israeli citizens against any form of extremist advancement.

The ongoing conflict in Syria has resulted in a significant realignment of power dynamics, particularly following the recent collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. This transition has raised concerns about the potential rise of extremist groups that could exploit the resultant power vacuum. Israel, concerned about its border security, has increased its military operations within Syria, targeting weaponry that could potentially be utilized by radical factions. The complexity of the situation is further heightened by the international community’s response, with some nations acknowledging the new administration emerging from the rebel coalition, despite its designation as a terrorist organization by several Western authorities.

In summary, Israel’s airstrikes in Syria are indicative of its commitment to maintaining regional security amidst the shifting political landscape following the fall of the Assad regime. With over 450 strikes recorded since instability emerged, Israel’s military actions are focused on preventing extremist factions from gaining powerful weaponry. The unfolding situation poses significant challenges not only for Syrian sovereignty but also for regional and international relations, as seen in the contrasting perspectives among various stakeholders.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com