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F-15s or F-16s disable Assad’s Russian systems in airstrikes.
The Israeli Air Force launched a series of precision strikes on December 8 amidst the ongoing chaos in Syria. The strikes, which have been officially confirmed by Israeli media, targeted the Khalhalah base in Suwayda, multiple sites in Daraa province, and the Mezzeh airbase near Damascus.
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According to The Times of Israel, the primary objective of these attacks was to disable a significant portion of Syria’s weapon systems, many of which are Russian-made.
“Against the backdrop of chaos, the Israeli Air Force carried out numerous strikes in Syria today, taking out weapons Israel fears could fall into hostile hands,” reported Israeli journalists. The strikes underline a broader Israeli strategy aimed at maintaining its security interests in a region teetering on instability.
Analysts are divided on the immediate motivations behind the operation. Some suggest that Israel seeks to prevent Syrian opposition forces from arming themselves with these advanced systems.
Others argue the real target was to block terrorist organizations, such as remnants of Al-Qaeda or ISIS, from gaining access to Russian weaponry. However, the prevailing concern for Israel seems to be the growing influence of Hezbollah and other pro-Iranian groups.
It appears that Tel Aviv’s focus is less on Sunni extremist factions and more on Hezbollah’s potential to exploit Syria’s unraveling.
After the Assad regime collapsed, Hezbollah and allied militias may attempt to secure these advanced weapons, which would pose a direct threat to Israel’s northern border. This scenario seems to have driven the urgency behind Israel’s strikes.
Images circulating online show destroyed Russian-made weapon systems, underscoring the effectiveness of the strikes. One confirmed image depicts a Russian Buk-M1 mobile missile defense system obliterated at the Mezzeh airbase.
Another image reveals the destruction of a Pantsir-S1 mobile anti-drone and air-defense system, a critical component of Syria’s Russian-supplied air defenses.
Video footage shared on December 8 shows powerful explosions at Mezzeh airbase, leaving little doubt about the intensity and precision of the strikes. The decision to target Mezzeh was far from random.
As a key hub for advanced weapon storage and military coordination, the base represents a critical node in the region’s strategic landscape. Its destruction sends a clear signal of Israel’s intent to disrupt the transfer or misuse of these weapons by any adversary, whether state or non-state actors.
Mezzeh Airbase, located near Damascus, is one of Syria’s most strategically significant military installations. Situated just a few kilometers from the capital, it serves both as a military hub and a symbol of the Assad regime’s defense capabilities.
Its proximity to the heart of Damascus underscores its critical role in safeguarding the regime’s power center, making it a frequent focus of regional conflicts and international scrutiny.
Historically, Mezzeh has been a key operational base for the Syrian Air Force, hosting fighter jets, attack helicopters, and logistical support for air campaigns against rebel factions during the Syrian Civil War.
However, in recent years, its role has expanded significantly due to Syria’s partnership with Russia and Iran. Mezzeh has become a repository for advanced weaponry supplied by these allies, including Russian-made air defense systems like the Pantsir-S1 and potentially components of the more advanced S-300 system.
In addition to air defense assets, Mezzeh reportedly hosts an array of offensive systems, including short-range ballistic missiles and rocket artillery, which have been used to target rebel strongholds.
Iranian-backed militias operating in Syria are also believed to have a presence at the base, adding a layer of complexity to its strategic significance. This involvement has drawn the ire of Israel, which views Mezzeh as a critical node in Iran’s efforts to establish a foothold in Syria.
Mezzeh’s infrastructure has also been adapted to house command-and-control facilities, making it a nerve center for coordinating military operations in the Damascus region.
Satellite imagery has revealed extensive fortifications, including underground bunkers and hardened aircraft shelters, designed to withstand attacks. Despite these measures, the base has been repeatedly targeted by Israeli airstrikes, highlighting its vulnerability and the limitations of Syria’s defensive capabilities.
The concentration of advanced weaponry and personnel at Mezzeh underscores its role not only in Syria’s internal conflict but also in the broader geopolitical struggles of the Middle East. The base is a flashpoint in the ongoing shadow war between Israel, Iran, and their respective allies, with each strike escalating tensions in an already volatile region.
Analyzing Israel’s capabilities and past operational patterns provides insights into the likely tools employed in this high-stakes mission.
The IAF’s fleet of F-16I “Sufa” multirole fighters stands out as a probable choice for this operation. These aircraft are equipped with advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems, and the capability to carry precision-guided munitions.
Their versatility and operational range make them a cornerstone of Israeli airstrikes in Syria, particularly for missions requiring deep penetration into heavily defended airspace. The F-15I “Ra’am,” another platform Israel frequently relies on for strategic strikes, may have also been involved.
With its superior payload capacity and longer range, the F-15I is ideal for missions targeting multiple sites, as reportedly occurred during the December 8 operation.
In terms of weaponry, the strikes likely involved precision-guided munitions designed to neutralize high-value targets with minimal collateral damage. The Delilah air-launched cruise missile is a strong contender. Known for its long-range, loitering capabilities, and precision targeting, the Delilah can engage heavily fortified positions such as Mezzeh’s hardened shelters and underground bunkers.
The Spice family of precision-guided munitions is another possibility. These glide bombs, guided by advanced electro-optical targeting systems, are a favorite in Israel’s arsenal for striking stationary targets like air defense systems and weapons storage facilities.
Israel’s growing emphasis on standoff capabilities suggests that the operation may have also included ramp-launched missiles such as the Rampage air-launched ballistic missile.
Developed to penetrate advanced air defense networks, the Rampage is specifically tailored for high-threat environments, making it a prime candidate for strikes on Mezzeh, which houses Russian-supplied air defenses like the Pantsir-S1 and Buk-M1 systems.
The operation’s success also points to the likely use of electronic warfare systems. Israel’s advanced EW capabilities, integrated into its fighter jets and standalone systems like the “Suter” system, are often deployed to jam or disable enemy air defenses, clearing the path for precision strikes.
Given Syria’s reliance on Russian-supplied radar and missile systems, such as the S-200 and S-300, electronic warfare would have been critical to neutralize threats and ensure mission success.
While the exact details remain classified, the precision, scope, and reported outcomes of the Mezzeh strike align closely with the IAF’s proven tactics and cutting-edge technological assets.
The operation not only reflects Israel’s commitment to countering regional threats but also its ability to project power deep into contested airspace, despite the risks posed by modern air defense systems.
The War in Syria
The Syrian Civil War, which erupted in 2011, began as part of the broader wave of the Arab Spring. What started as peaceful protests against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad quickly escalated into a brutal, multifaceted conflict after the government’s violent crackdown on demonstrators.
Over the years, Syria became a battleground for various factions: the Assad regime, rebel groups, Kurdish forces, Islamist extremists like ISIS, and foreign powers, including Russia, Iran, Turkey, and the United States.
The war has seen the rise of proxy warfare, with each external actor supporting their own interests and allies, which has only complicated efforts for peace.
The humanitarian toll has been staggering. Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have been killed, and millions more have been displaced, either within Syria or as refugees abroad. Cities have been reduced to rubble, with infrastructure destroyed and the economy in shambles.
In addition to the physical devastation, the conflict has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions in need of aid and medical care. The international community has been divided on how to approach the war, with diplomatic efforts frequently stymied by competing interests.
Despite numerous ceasefires and negotiations, there has been little real progress toward a lasting peace settlement.
As of today, Assad’s regime has regained control of most of the country, thanks to support from Russian and Iranian forces, but pockets of resistance remain, particularly in the northwest.
The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces continue to control large swaths of the northeast, backed by the U.S. in their fight against ISIS. However, tensions between Turkey and the Kurds persist, as Turkey views the Syrian Kurdish militias as terrorists linked to the PKK.
While the intensity of fighting has decreased, Syria is far from stable, and the situation remains a complex, ongoing crisis with no clear end in sight.