Syrian state media reported that Israeli airstrikes hit the Tartus area on Monday, following an explosion near the city’s port. The Israeli military confirmed it struck a “military site” further north, in a move linked to its ongoing campaign to disrupt Syrian military operations.
According to Syria’s official news agency, SANA, Israeli aircraft carried out airstrikes around Tartus city, although no casualties have been reported. “Civil defense and specialized teams are working to confirm the location of the targets,” the agency added.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported a strong explosion near Tartus port, coinciding with the Israeli airstrikes, with smoke rising from the site. The explosion is believed to have occurred at a military base near the port.
The Israeli military confirmed the attack, stating it targeted a military site in Qardaha, a town located 60 kilometers north of Tartus. The military site was allegedly storing weapons linked to the former Syrian regime. Israel explained the strike was carried out due to “recent developments in the area,” but did not provide further details.
Qardaha, the hometown of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, has been a focal point in Israel’s efforts to disrupt Syrian military infrastructure. Last Tuesday, Israeli forces targeted military sites in southern Syria, resulting in at least two deaths at a headquarters southwest of Damascus.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasized the need to demilitarize southern Syria, warning against the presence of forces linked to Syria’s new Islamist-led government near Israel’s borders.
Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes on Syria during the country’s civil war, particularly targeting government forces and Iranian-backed groups. Tensions have risen in recent days, with Israel also asserting its right to intervene if Syria’s new leaders threaten its Druze community in Syria.
This airstrike comes as the international community calls for an end to Israeli military actions in Syrian territory, with Syrian officials urging global pressure to stop what they describe as Israeli “aggression and violations.”
Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592303/middle-east