In a recent development, Syrian state media reported that Israeli forces have launched missiles targeting the country’s two main international airports, causing significant damage. The runways at Damascus and Aleppo airports have been rendered unusable, leading to a diversion of flights to Latakia. While Israel has not officially acknowledged the strike, it has a history of targeting sites in war-torn Syria that are associated with Iran. The timing of the attack is noteworthy, as Iran’s foreign minister was scheduled to visit Syria. It is speculated that the strikes aimed to disrupt the movement of Iranian arms to Hezbollah, a powerful militant group active in Syria and Lebanon.
The unnamed military source quoted by Syrian state media described the Israeli strikes as “simultaneous” and asserted that they had effectively put both airports out of service by damaging the landing strips. The source accused Israel of resorting to desperate measures to divert attention from the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Interestingly, the Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who planned to make a trip to Syria, arrived in Iraq on Thursday and is expected to visit Lebanon as well. This tour is seen as Tehran’s effort to garner regional support for Hamas, the ruling party in the Gaza Strip.
Iran, known for its animosity towards Israel, has celebrated Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of numerous Israelis. Consequently, Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza, leading to the destruction of entire neighborhoods and the deaths of over 1,400 Palestinians. Since the Hamas assault, there have been several instances of cross-border exchanges of fire between Israel and militants in southern Lebanon and Syria. In response, Israel has deployed additional troops to its northern border to counter any potential attacks from Hezbollah.
It is important to note that Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah are key allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his prolonged conflict against opposition groups and the Islamic State (IS). Russia’s foreign ministry condemned Israel’s missile strike on Syria, emphasizing the threat posed to innocent lives and international air traffic. The ministry warned that Israel’s forceful actions, in the backdrop of the escalating conflict with Palestine, hold significant potential to spark armed escalation across the entire region.
This recent escalation of conflict between Israel and Syria requires careful attention from the international community. The damage inflicted on the airports not only disrupts civilian travel but also impacts military operations in the region. Given the involvement of multiple regional players, including Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia, the situation has the potential to drag neighboring countries into a wider conflict. Diplomatic efforts must be prioritized to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence.
Furthermore, the impact on the region’s stability and economy cannot be ignored. The diversion of flights to Latakia imposes additional strain on an already overwhelmed airport, potentially affecting tourism, trade, and transportation. The destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and the ensuing clashes in Lebanon and Syria may have long-lasting repercussions on regional stability, particularly for countries neighboring the conflict zones.
It is paramount for the international community, especially the United Nations and regional powers, to intervene promptly and facilitate dialogue between the involved parties. Efforts to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza must be intensified, while ensuring the safety and security of civilians caught in the crossfire. The situation demands a swift resolution to prevent further loss of life and avert a broader conflict that could engulf the entire region.
