World

Israeli Airstrikes Intensify as Ground Forces Push Further into Syria

2024-12-10

Author: Amelia

DAMASCUS, Syria - Israeli warplanes unleashed a series of heavy bombardments across Syria on Tuesday, coinciding with reported advancements of Israeli ground troops deeper into Syrian territory. This escalation comes as Israel's Defense Minister announced the complete destruction of Syria's naval capabilities, heightening tensions in the already volatile region.

In the aftermath of President Bashar Assad’s recent overthrow, Israel has confirmed its entry into a long-established buffer zone in Syria, a territory claimed by Israel since the 1973 Mideast war. However, it has denied any advances toward the Syrian capital of Damascus, a move which could provoke an international response given the area’s strategic significance.

Israeli officials have articulated that their military operations target military assets, including heavy and suspected chemical weapons, as well as air-defense systems believed to be at risk of falling into extremist hands. Visual evidence shared online shows extensive damage to missile systems, helicopters, and aircraft, while Associated Press journalists in Damascus reported hearing heavy bombing sounds overnight.

Defense Minister Israel Katz remarked that Israel aims to create a demilitarized zone in southern Syria to eliminate weapons and remove terrorist threats without a permanent presence. Katz issued a stark warning to Syrian rebels: those who follow Assad’s path may meet similar fates. “We will not permit an extremist Islamic terrorist entity to act against Israel,” he stated.

As military operations intensify, the presence of various geopolitical interests in the region raises concerns. The distance separating the buffer zone from Damascus is less than 25 miles (around 60 kilometers), amplifying fears of conflict spilling over into neighboring countries and escalating the regional crisis.

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