Israel launches air attacks near Syria’s Tartous

According to Syrian state media reports, Israel carried out an airstrike near the Syrian Mediterranean port city of Tartus. There have been no reports of casualties so far, and civil defense and specialized teams are working to identify the target location. Investigations are underway to determine the extent of the damage caused by the airstrike.

The Israeli military issued a statement on Monday claiming that its forces "attacked a military site in the Qardaha area, which housed weapons belonging to the former Syrian regime." Qardaha is the hometown of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and is located about 60 kilometers north of the port of Tartus. This operation underscores the ongoing tensions and security concerns in the region.

Since the opposition's lightning offensive overthrew long-time Syrian leader Assad last December, Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes on Syrian military assets, claiming it is to prevent these assets from falling into hostile hands. Last Tuesday, the Israeli military stated that they had conducted airstrikes on a military site containing weapons in southern Syria, days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the demilitarization of the area. The airstrikes highlight Israel's proactive approach to managing perceived threats in the region.

Following Assad's ouster, Israel has moved troops into the UN-monitored Syrian demilitarized zone, a move that violates the 1974 disengagement agreement with Syria. Israel also controls areas outside the buffer zone, including Mount Hermon, and has repeatedly bombed military sites. These actions have further complicated the already volatile situation in the region, raising concerns about potential escalations.

Last week at the Syrian National Dialogue Conference, participants affirmed their rejection of Netanyahu's "provocative" remarks and urged the international community to pressure Israel to cease any "aggression and violations," condemning "Israeli invasion of Syrian territory." The conference also opposed Israeli attempts to incite sectarian tensions, expressing a willingness to protect Syria's Druze minority community, many of whom reside in the country's south. This reflects a growing sentiment of resistance against Israeli actions and a commitment to preserving Syria's sovereignty and stability.