Israel's Elite Commandos Allegedly Destroyed a Secret Missile Base in Syria
Details of the Airstrikes
The major Israeli airstrikes that occurred in the central Syrian town of Masyaf on Sunday night may have involved more than what was initially reported. The attack targeted a secretive Syrian government facility known as the Syrian Military Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC). The assault resulted in a high death toll, leaving at least 16 people dead and another 40 injured.
Reports of a Ground Component
According to Axios and Israeli media, the attack involved a ground component. The Times of Israel reported that IDF commandos may have rappelled from helicopters to capture Iranians and remove materials before destroying the site. However, other reports do not mention any captured Iranians.
Involvement of an Elite IDF Unit
The Axios report suggests that the Israeli operation in central Syria involved an elite Israel Defense Forces unit that conducted a highly unusual raid and destroyed an underground precision missile factory. This factory was allegedly built by Iran, according to three sources briefed on the operation. The operation led to significant portions of the surrounding countryside catching on fire.
White House Briefed Ahead of Time
The report also indicates that the White House was briefed ahead of time and did not oppose the daring raid, which apparently involved boots on the ground. A Syrian opposition television channel and Greek Middle East expert Eva J. Koulouriotis both reported that the airstrikes were a cover for an Israeli ground operation in Masyaf.
Engagement in Ground Firefight
The report further alleges that the elite IDF commando team engaged in a firefight on the ground outside the facility during the operation, killing several Syrian guards. The special forces team also reportedly rigged the underground missile facility with explosives and blew it up. Israeli airstrikes were unleashed on the area as a diversion and to prevent Syrian Army reinforcements to the area.
Recovery of Sensitive Documents
The Times of Israel reported that the Israeli team was able to recover sensitive documents before destroying the facility. These fresh reports were the first to claim that Israeli troops operated on the ground during the action at Masyaf.
Questions About Breaching Syrian Airspace
One question that remains is how a slow-moving helicopter was able to breach Syrian airspace for so long and insert ground forces without triggering Syria's Russian-made anti-air defenses. It could be that Syria's air defense is seriously degraded following many Israeli Air Force attacks, or regional batteries were successfully distracted, or Israel used stealth technology and low altitudes.
Israel's Silence on Ground Insertion
Israel has remained silent about any details of a ground insertion, and Damascus is unlikely to confirm, given that if Israel successfully pulled off something like that, it would be a humiliation.
Bottom Line
The reported Israeli operation in Syria, involving both air and ground forces, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The alleged destruction of an underground missile facility and the recovery of sensitive documents could have far-reaching implications. However, these reports raise many questions, such as how Israel was able to breach Syrian airspace undetected. What are your thoughts on this matter? Share this article with your friends and engage in the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.
