&nbsp;Israel's Unprecedented Air Campaign Neutralizes Syrian Air Power
In an operation of unprecedented scale, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have executed over 300 airstrikes across Syrian territory since Sunday. This marks Israel&rsquo;s most extensive aerial offensive since the Yom Kippur War in 1973, with a focus on decimating Syria&rsquo;s air force, military infrastructure, and command structures. Western intelligence sources and Israeli outlets confirm the near-complete neutralization of the Syrian Air Force, an event poised to shift the military balance in the region dramatically.
Strategic Targets and Objectives
The IDF&rsquo;s campaign is focused on eliminating advanced weapons systems, including chemical arsenals and long-range missiles. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa&rsquo;ar justified the strikes, stating that the mission aimed to prevent these weapons from falling into extremist hands. Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized the operation&rsquo;s dual purpose: dismantling Iranian-backed militias and destroying weapons depots critical to Tehran&rsquo;s influence in the region.
Simultaneously, the IDF has seized a significant swath of Syrian territory, including areas south of the Golan Heights. Reports indicate that Israeli forces have advanced nearly 2,200 square miles into southern Syria, establishing a buffer zone and occupying several towns and villages. This move solidifies Israel&rsquo;s tactical advantage while complicating Syria's recovery from decades of war.
Fall of Assad Regime and Regional Implications
The strikes coincide with the dramatic ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by a coalition of rebel forces, ending five decades of Assad family rule. As Damascus begins a fragile recovery, local reports describe scenes of celebration and normalization. However, Israel&rsquo;s heavy bombardment casts a shadow over Syria&rsquo;s post-conflict rebuilding efforts.
The United States has voiced conditional support for Israel's actions, framing them as temporary measures for border security. U.S. Central Command (Centcom) continues to target remnants of ISIS, ensuring the militant group cannot exploit Syria&rsquo;s volatile situation. On Saturday, American forces conducted airstrikes against ISIS camps, hitting over 75 strategic targets. Centcom Commander General Michael Kurilla affirmed a zero-tolerance policy toward any organization supporting ISIS.
Syria&rsquo;s Depleted Military
Before the campaign, Syria&rsquo;s air capabilities comprised approximately 367 fixed-wing aircraft and 155 helicopters, including MiG-21MFs, Su-23M4s, and MiG-29As. Now, with major air force bases and installations obliterated, Syria&rsquo;s ability to defend its airspace or counterattack has been significantly diminished.
Regional Reactions and Criticism
While Israel defends its operations as essential for security, critics in the Arab world, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, warn that such aggressive actions risk destabilizing the region further. Humanitarian organizations also highlight the immense challenges Syria faces in rebuilding its infrastructure and re-establishing governance.
Strategic and Geopolitical Fallout
Israel&rsquo;s demilitarization of Syria not only neutralizes a long-standing adversary but also consolidates its territorial and strategic interests. By advancing into southern Syria, Israel has effectively reshaped the regional map, posing questions about future negotiations over the Golan Heights and broader Middle Eastern stability.
As the dust settles, Israel&rsquo;s actions leave an indelible mark on a region already burdened by conflict, ensuring that the consequences of this campaign will reverberate for years to come.
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Israel Airstrikes destroyed Syrian Air bases

Extensive strikes target Syrian air capabilities and Iranian-backed militias, reshaping regional dynamics

Israel Launches Largest Air Campaign Since 1973

Extensive strikes target Syrian air capabilities and Iranian-backed militias, reshaping regional dynamics

December 10, 2024 | 20:49 IST