Syria found itself on high alert as its air defenses were activated on Thursday in response to what it alleges were Israeli airstrikes that caused damage to airports in the capital city of Damascus and the northern city of Aleppo. The attacks resulted in grounding flights as the runways at both airports were affected, rendering them temporarily out of service. Syrian state media cited military sources in attributing the missile strikes to Israeli forces, further escalating the ongoing Israel-Palestine war.
According to unnamed military officials who spoke to Syrian state media, these strikes were described as “simultaneous” and had caused damage to the landing strips at both airports. The timing of the alleged attack is notable, as it occurred less than a day before Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian’s scheduled visit to Syria. Israel has thus far declined to comment on these allegations, but it’s important to note that Israel has carried out strikes for several years against what it describes as “Iran-linked targets” in Syria, including the two airports.
Local sources cited in reports described the airstrikes as a “desperate attempt” by Israel to “divert attention” away from its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Others have speculated that it might be an attempt to disrupt Iranian supply lines to Syria, as Iran has been a key ally of the Syrian government in the ongoing Syrian civil war.
Just a few days earlier, Israeli troops fired artillery and mortar shells into Syria after rockets from southern Syria targeted Israeli positions across the border, escalating tensions in the region.
Meanwhile, Iran has called on Islamic and Arab countries to form a united front against Israel. Tehran’s call for unity comes following a surprise attack by Hamas extremists over the weekend, targeting Israeli territory. While Israel has celebrated its defense against these attacks as a “success,” it has also insisted that it was not involved in the matter.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi engaged in a phone call with his Syrian counterpart, Bashar al-Assad, during which he emphasized the need for cooperation against Israel. Raisi urged, “All the Islamic and Arab countries… must reach serious convergence and cooperation on the path of stopping the crimes of the Zionist regime against the oppressed Palestinian nation.” The call took place on Wednesday, highlighting the urgency of addressing the Israel-Palestine situation and the need for regional unity.
The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East remains complex and volatile, with multiple conflicts and interests at play. Syria, which has been grappling with a protracted civil war, finds itself once again caught in the crossfire, with Israeli airstrikes further exacerbating the challenges faced by its government and people. As tensions continue to rise in the region, international efforts to de-escalate conflicts and promote diplomacy are more crucial than ever.
The situation underscores the broader instability in the region and the interconnectedness of various conflicts. It also highlights the complexity of addressing the long-standing Israel-Palestine issue, which has far-reaching implications for neighboring countries and the entire Middle East. The call for unity among Islamic and Arab nations, as urged by Iran, reflects the shared concerns and grievances of many in the region and the need for a coordinated response to address the ongoing challenges.
