In a suspected overnight airstrike, Israel is believed to have launched missiles into Syria, targeting an area near the Russian Khmeimim air base, which reportedly stores weapons for Iran. The strike, involving up to 30 missiles, occurred close to the coastal city of Latakia and triggered a series of massive explosions.
Video footage captured bright orange streaks lighting up the night sky as Syrian and Russian air defenses attempted to intercept the incoming missiles. The resulting fire was visible for miles around the Khmeimim base. Secondary explosions were also reported, suggesting that the missiles struck munitions or other weaponry stored in the area.
This strike could signal a significant escalation in Israel’s efforts to disrupt Iranian-linked military assets in Syria. Emboldened by recent successful attacks on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, Israel appears to be intensifying its campaign, despite the risk of heightening tensions with Russia, which maintains a strong presence at the Khmeimim base.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Russian and Syrian forces engaged in defensive efforts for at least 40 minutes, attempting to thwart the missile attack over Latakia.
