“The barrage of Israeli missiles in Syria”—this is how the country referred to the unusual attack last night, which involved the launch of 15 cruise missiles in four waves targeting the Mezaif Research Center in Hama, as well as locations in Damascus, Tartus, and Homs. Syrian media described it as one of the most extensive attacks in years, allegedly carried out by Israel. The primary target was the “Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center” (CERS), which has been repeatedly targeted. Since its establishment in 1971, CERS has overseen Syria’s military industry, including its development of chemical weapons. In recent years, the center has focused on advancing military production, particularly anti-aircraft missiles and UAVs, while intensifying cooperation with Iran and Hezbollah. Iranian advisors are stationed there, contributing to these efforts.
The strikes also hit Syrian ammunition depots and bases where Iranian militias are reportedly present. Syrian sources have reported 18 casualties and dozens wounded. The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks, attributing them to Israel and accusing it of “feverishly escalating the situation in the region.” Since the onset of the Gaza conflict, Israel has reportedly increased its operations against the Axis of Resistance in Syria, with an estimated 60 strikes this year alone. The scope of last night’s attack may reflect concerns about the potential expansion of the conflict to Israel’s northern front. While Syria has generally been regarded as a “quiet” front, and Syria’s President al-Assad has so far avoided engaging in a multi-front conflict with Israel, the transfer of weapons and Hezbollah’s strengthening—sponsored by Iran—has continued at an accelerated pace.
In addition to demonstrating Israeli intelligence and military capabilities, these strikes aimed to disrupt military buildup efforts in Syria, particularly before transferring these capabilities to Hezbollah in Lebanon. This is seen as a critical step in preparing for a potential war with Lebanon.
“The barrage of Israeli missiles in Syria”—this is how the country referred to the unusual attack last night, which involved the launch of 15 cruise missiles in four waves targeting the Mezaif Research Center in Hama, as well as locations in Damascus, Tartus, and Homs. Syrian media described it as one of the most extensive attacks in years, allegedly carried out by Israel. The primary target was the “Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center” (CERS), which has been repeatedly targeted. Since its establishment in 1971, CERS has overseen Syria’s military industry, including its development of chemical weapons. In recent years, the center has focused on advancing military production, particularly anti-aircraft missiles and UAVs, while intensifying cooperation with Iran and Hezbollah. Iranian advisors are stationed there, contributing to these efforts.
The strikes also hit Syrian ammunition depots and bases where Iranian militias are reportedly present. Syrian sources have reported 18 casualties and dozens wounded. The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks, attributing them to Israel and accusing it of “feverishly escalating the situation in the region.” Since the onset of the Gaza conflict, Israel has reportedly increased its operations against the Axis of Resistance in Syria, with an estimated 60 strikes this year alone. The scope of last night’s attack may reflect concerns about the potential expansion of the conflict to Israel’s northern front. While Syria has generally been regarded as a “quiet” front, and Syria’s President al-Assad has so far avoided engaging in a multi-front conflict with Israel, the transfer of weapons and Hezbollah’s strengthening—sponsored by Iran—has continued at an accelerated pace.
In addition to demonstrating Israeli intelligence and military capabilities, these strikes aimed to disrupt military buildup efforts in Syria, particularly before transferring these capabilities to Hezbollah in Lebanon. This is seen as a critical step in preparing for a potential war with Lebanon.