Israeli Airstrikes Target Central Syria: A New Escalation in Regional Tensions
On the night of Tuesday into Wednesday, March 18-19, 2025, Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes on a military site in central Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. This latest assault marks yet another chapter in Israel’s ongoing military operations within Syrian territory, raising concerns about the stability of an already volatile region.
Airstrikes Near Homs: Targeting Missile Battalion
The Syrian Observatory reported that Israeli airstrikes specifically targeted a missile battalion near the city of Homs. Witnesses in the area noted hearing loud explosions echoing through the night, though initial reports suggest no human casualties occurred. For now, details remain scarce, but the precision of the strikes indicates a deliberate effort to neutralize specific military assets. Meanwhile, the absence of immediate casualty reports offers a glimmer of relief amid the chaos.
Recent Escalation: From Daraa to Damascus
Interestingly, this operation follows a deadly airstrike just a day earlier near Daraa in southern Syria, where three people lost their lives. The Israeli military claimed responsibility, stating that the strikes hit “military targets” in the region. Additionally, last week, Israel conducted an airstrike on Damascus, targeting a Palestinian Jihad Movement headquarters. According to the Observatory, that attack resulted in at least one fatality. These incidents collectively highlight Israel’s intensified campaign against perceived threats across Syria.
Israel’s Broader Strategy Post-Assad
Since opposition factions toppled the Assad regime in December, Israel has significantly ramped up its aerial operations. Over the past few months, hundreds of strikes have hit military installations, naval bases, and airfields throughout Syria. Israeli officials assert that these actions aim to prevent the new Syrian administration from seizing the former regime’s arsenal. Furthermore, Israeli forces have advanced into the demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a move that underscores their proactive stance in securing the border.
Netanyahu’s Demands and Regional Implications
In February, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded that southern Syria remain fully demilitarized. He warned that Israel would not tolerate the presence of security forces loyal to Syria’s new leadership near its borders. Consequently, this hardline position signals a potential for further confrontations as Israel seeks to shape the post-Assad landscape to its advantage.
In conclusion, these developments reflect a volatile shift in Syria’s conflict dynamics, with Israel playing a decisive role. As tensions escalate, the region braces for what may come next.
Guterres Shocked by Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza: A Call for Ceasefire
