BEIRUT, December 13. /TASS/. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) dropped 1,800 bombs on over 500 targets within hours to neutralize Syria's air defense systems, according to the Al Mayadeen TV channel.
Following this massive strike, the Israeli military command announced the destruction of the majority of Syria's air defense assets, the channel reported.
Previously regarded as one of the strongest in the region, Syria's air defense system has now been significantly weakened. With the collapse of Syria's former government, Israeli forces have taken advantage of the situation, escalating violations of Syrian sovereignty and launching a massive air campaign, Al Mayadeen noted.
Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed through its press office that its air force conducted large-scale strikes on Syria, specifically targeting its air defense infrastructure.
Hundreds of IAF fighter jets and support aircraft participated in the operation, targeting a wide range of Syrian military assets, including fighter jets, attack helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, and radar systems. The strikes were concentrated on several key Syrian Air Force bases, particularly around Damascus, where two squadrons of Su-22 and Su-24 aircraft were destroyed. In addition, weapons production facilities and storage sites near Homs and other strategic locations in Syria were attacked.