In a significant development, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly struck Syria’s two major airports, marking the first such attack since heightened hostilities erupted in the region following a recent assault by Hamas on Israel.
Syrian state television conveyed that “Israeli aggression targets Damascus and Aleppo airports.” While the details surrounding these strikes remain limited, it is evident that the strikes have led to the activation of Syria’s air defense systems. As a consequence, all flights to and from Syria have been suspended.
The relentless Israeli airstrikes have previously impacted the operational capacity of airports in Aleppo and the capital city of Damascus, both of which are under the control of the Syrian government.
This latest escalation comes in the backdrop of a prolonged exchange of heavy fire between Hamas and Israel, which commenced following an audacious incursion by hundreds of Hamas gunmen into Israeli territory, leading to a tragic loss of civilian lives.
Significantly, these developments unfolded during a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Israel and after a telephone conversation between Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. In their discussion, Raisi urged Arab and Islamic nations to collaborate in confronting Israel.
Over the past decade, Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes on Syria, primarily targeting Iran-affiliated forces, Hezbollah militants, and Syrian military positions. Israel has consistently emphasized its stance against allowing Iran, its arch-nemesis, to expand its influence in the region.
The recent events underscore the complexity and volatility of the Middle East, a region where longstanding conflicts and geopolitical tensions often spill over and contribute to an unstable environment. The situation is being closely monitored for further developments.
