Syria has accused Israel of conducting air strikes on military sites in Homs and Latakia, condemning the attacks as a blatant violation of its sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. The strikes occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, with no immediate reports of casualties, and Israel has not commented on the incidents.
The Israeli air strikes targeted areas in central and western Syria, specifically near the cities of Homs and Latakia, according to Syria’s state news agency SANA. Explosions were reported at a Syrian air force base in Homs and a military barracks in Latakia, with locals hearing loud blasts and seeing emergency responses. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitor, confirmed the attacks but noted no initial casualties, highlighting the precision of the strikes.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry issued a strong statement, denouncing the actions as part of Israel’s ongoing aggressive escalations and calling them a direct infringement on Syrian security. The ministry urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to take a firm stand against these violations of international law. This condemnation was echoed in official communications, emphasizing Syria’s rejection of any attempts to undermine its national integrity.
Israel has not provided an immediate response to the accusations, maintaining its typical stance of operational secrecy regarding activities in Syria. However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has previously stated that forces operate continuously to ensure Israel’s security, often citing the prevention of weapons falling into extremist hands as a justification for such strikes. This silence aligns with Israel’s long-standing policy of neither confirming nor denying specific military actions in the region.
The context of these strikes is rooted in Israel’s increased military engagement in Syria since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 and the escalation of conflicts following the war on Gaza. According to SOHR, Israel has carried out nearly 100 attacks in Syria this year alone, including 86 air strikes and 11 ground operations, targeting various military assets. This represents a significant ramp-up from previous years, reflecting heightened tensions and strategic calculations.
Regional stability is further complicated by Israel’s broader geopolitical ambitions, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s promotion of a ‘Greater Israel’ vision, which claims territories beyond current borders. The strikes in Syria are seen as part of efforts to counter perceived threats from Iran-backed groups and to assert dominance in the area. This has led to a cycle of retaliation and condemnation, exacerbating the fragile security situation in the Middle East.
International reactions have been muted so far, with no immediate statements from major powers or the UN. The lack of robust international intervention has allowed such incidents to persist, raising concerns about the potential for broader conflict. Syria’s calls for action highlight the challenges in enforcing international norms and the need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Looking ahead, the situation remains volatile, with the possibility of further Israeli operations or Syrian responses. The ongoing violence could hinder reconstruction efforts in war-torn Syria and impact regional diplomacy, including any mediated talks. Monitoring groups like SOHR will continue to track developments, while the international community’s response—or lack thereof—will be critical in shaping the future trajectory of this conflict.