The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Friday that they conducted airstrikes on two military bases in central Syria, including one in Palmyra. The attack came shortly after reports from a UK-based war monitor suggested that Israel had targeted the Palmyra airbase.
In an official statement, the Israeli military said, “A short while ago, the IDF struck military strategic capabilities that remained at the Syrian military bases of Tadmur and T4.” The T4 base is located approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) west of Palmyra.
Israeli Airstrikes Amidst Syrian Political Shift
The strikes come in the wake of significant political changes in Syria. Since Islamist-led rebels ousted former President Bashar al-Assad in December, Israel has launched multiple air raids targeting Syrian military facilities. Israeli officials claim these actions are intended to prevent advanced weaponry from reaching the new government, which they consider a threat.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated concerns over military activity in southern Syria, emphasizing that Israel will not tolerate the deployment of forces from the new administration near its borders.
Escalating Tensions in the Region
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported earlier that “Israeli warplanes targeted the Palmyra military airport.” While Syrian officials have not yet commented on the latest attacks, tensions in the region remain high, with ongoing concerns over military buildup near Israeli territory.
Israel has frequently carried out airstrikes in Syria in recent years, citing security concerns over potential threats posed by hostile groups operating in the war-torn country. The latest strike underscores the fragile security situation and the complex geopolitical challenges facing the region.
