The Syrian army says its “air defences had intercepted ‘Israeli aggression’ over the capital, Damascus, in the latest stepped-up bombing of Iranian targets inside the country over the last two months.” The bombing was Israel defending itself, but was framed by the Syrian army as “Israeli aggression”:
Western intelligence sources say Iran’s military influence has expanded in Syria in recent years, prompting Israel to escalate its campaign to prevent its arch rival from establishing a major military foothold along its border….Iran’s proxy militias, led by Lebanon’s Hezbollah, now hold sway over vast areas in eastern, southern and northwestern Syria, as well as several suburbs around Damascus. They also control Lebanese-Syrian border areas.
It’s a perpetual cycle since 1948 of jihadists in neighboring countries attacking Israel, Israel retaliating, and Israel then being accused of aggression and war crimes. Last week, Israel warned that it will “not hesitate” to uproot Iran’s “entrenchment” near the Israeli border.
“Syrian army says air defences intercepted ‘Israeli aggression’ over Damascus,” by Suleiman Al-Khalidi, Reuters, February 14, 2021:
AMMAN (Reuters) – Syria’s army said on Monday the country’s air defences had intercepted “Israeli aggression” over the capital, Damascus, in the latest stepped-up bombing of Iranian targets inside the country over the last two months.
The Israeli military, which just began a surprise air force combat drill along the country’s northern border, said “it did not comment on foreign reports,” according to a spokeswoman.
Syrian state media did not give details of what was hit by the Israeli air force. Israeli military planes flew over the Golan Heights to hit targets on the edge of the capital, an army statement said, without mentioning casualties but adding air defences downed most of the missiles.
“Our air defences are continuing to repel the Israeli missile attacks over the skies of the capital,” the Syrian army said in a statement.
A Syrian military defector said the bombing raids hit a major army division in the town of Kiswa, almost 14 km (8.7 miles) south of the capital, in a sprawling area where Iranian-backed militias have a dominant presence.
Witnesses heard large explosions on the southern edge of Damascus, an area where Iranian-backed militias are entrenched, residents said.
Israeli officials have acknowledged carrying out attacks inside Syria aimed at ending Tehran’s entrenched military presence in Syria.
Military chief of staff Aviv Kochavi said at the end of last year that Israeli missile strikes had “slowed down Iran’s entrenchment in Syria,” hitting more than 500 targets in 2020….
b.a. freeman says
here’s hoping that israel really did attack iran and her proxies, but that *no* attacking missiles were destroyed.
juleonly says
Iran has had Nuc plant constructions and possibilities for years near Damascus. I think they were wiped out once years back but started up again
somehistory says
They don’t “comment on foreign reports,” but they did “acknowledge attacks inside Syria.”
The iranians feel it’s their right to be “entrenched” inside another country and threaten Israel with destruction. It’s understandable that Israel would wish to protect herself, but moslims always complain when others are getting the better part of an issue.
iran could call their militias back home and behave in a better fashion…except that they are intent on destruction of life, freedom, property, and doing that within their own borders is just not enough.
gravenimage says
Syria accuses Israel of ‘aggression,’ says it intercepted Israeli missiles over Damascus
……………….
Projection.
Phil Copson says
Surely “projectile” ?
gravenimage says
Ok, now that is funny, Phil.
OLD GUY says
Israel has fought the fight against the islamic world for a long time. Israel’s existence depends on a strong defense and striking back against the threat of islam. America needs to stand with Israel against the islamic threat that the world is facing today, not embracing open migration of islamic invaders to our country. Biden needs to close the American borders to this migration invasion of our country.
gravenimage says
+1