Israel Pounds Syrian Army Bases, Denies Advancing Towards Damascus

In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Israel launched a series of intense airstrikes on Syrian military bases on Tuesday. The strikes, which Israel claims are intended to prevent Syrian military weapons from falling into “hostile hands,” have drawn sharp condemnation from regional powers, including Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Despite reports from Syrian security sources that Israeli forces had advanced beyond the buffer zone established after the 1973 war, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) denied the claims. An IDF spokesperson stated:

“The reports circulating in the media about the alleged advancement of Israeli tanks towards Damascus are false. IDF troops are stationed within the buffer zone, as stated in the past.”

🔴 Airstrikes Destroy Syrian Military Assets

The intensity of the Israeli airstrikes was described as the heaviest seen so far. According to security sources and former Syrian military officers, the strikes targeted military installations, airbases, and key Republican Guard positions in and around Damascus.

• Over 200 Israeli raids were reported overnight, completely wiping out the Syrian army’s air assets, including helicopters, fighter jets, and equipment vital to the country’s defense capabilities.
• Republican Guard assets were also destroyed, dealing a massive blow to what remains of Syria’s military might.

Regional Response:

• Saudi Arabia condemned the incursion, stating that Israel’s actions would “ruin Syria’s chances of restoring security.”
• Egypt and Qatar also criticized the strikes, calling for an end to the escalation.

🔴 Rebel-Led Salvation Government Assumes Power After Assad’s Departure

With former President Bashar al-Assad fleeing Syria on Sunday, marking the end of over five decades of Assad family rule, power in the capital has shifted to the rebel-led Salvation Government.

On Monday, the newly established Salvation Government, led by Mohammed Jalali, reached an agreement with former Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Jalali to transfer power peacefully. The Salvation Government was previously limited to a small rebel-controlled territory in northwestern Syria, but it now controls Damascus, marking a significant shift in Syria’s political landscape.

The streets of Damascus reflected the mood of transition, as:

• Banks reopened for the first time since Assad’s departure.
• Shops resumed operations, and traffic began flowing through city roads.
• Construction workers returned to work, seen repairing roundabouts and key infrastructure.
• Street cleaners were back on the roads, symbolizing a return to normalcy after years of conflict.

🔴 Israeli Incursion: Buffer Zone and Security Claims

Since Assad’s departure, Israel moved its troops into a demilitarized buffer zone inside Syria, established after the 1973 war. While some sources claim Israeli forces advanced to Qatana, a town east of the buffer zone and close to Damascus Airport, the IDF denies these reports.

Israel maintains that its troops are still within the demilitarized zone and have only taken “limited and temporary measures” to secure its border.

“We are not intervening in Syria’s internal conflict,” said an Israeli official to the UN Security Council, stressing that its objective is to prevent weapons from falling into hostile hands.

🔴 What’s Next?

As Syria’s power shifts from the Assad regime to the Salvation Government, international attention is now focused on how Israel’s role in the conflict evolves. While Israel insists it is only acting in self-defense, its strikes have raised concerns about further destabilizing an already fragile region.

Meanwhile, with Syrian banks and businesses reopening, residents of Damascus are hopeful for a return to normal life under the new rebel-led administration.

This story is developing. Stay tuned for more updates on the evolving situation in Syria.