Israeli attacks have previously caused flight delays and airport closures in Syria, affecting both Aleppo and the nation’s capital, Damascus. With both these airports under the authority of the Syrian government, they function as vital lifelines for the war-torn nation. The ongoing conflict in Syria adds a layer of significance to their role as critical transportation hubs.
Recent events coincide with a surge in tensions between Israel and Hamas. The confrontation began with a weekend attack by Hamas on Israel, sparking intense and continuous hostilities. Both of these events took place unexpectedly while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel. Furthermore, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi discussed with his Syrian counterpart, Bashar al-Assad, and stressed the significance of commonality among Arab along with Islamic countries in their divulged standing on the Israeli disagreements.
Israel’s Ongoing Concerns
According to Syrian state media, the simultaneous airstrikes severely damaged both airports’ landing strips, placing them temporarily out of commission. A source within the military, who wishes to remain anonymous, hints that these Israeli actions were taken as a final measure to redirect focus away from their current conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Over the past ten years, Israel has conducted multiple airstrikes against Syria, its northern neighbor. These actions have unfolded against the backdrop of a long-standing decade-old conflict. These airstrikes have had a bullseye on Syrian army positions, Iran-backed forces, and the tenacious Lebanese Hezbollah fighters. What fuels Israel’s unwavering determination in these air raids is the rising specter of Iran’s expanding foothold in Syria. A concern they’ve vocally echoed, making it abundantly clear that they’re not willing to let this influence surge unchecked in their vicinity.
Israel generally refrains from commenting on specific airstrikes in Syria. But it has consistently underscored its concerns about preventing Iran, a significant adversary, from expanding its influence within the country.