Posted on 09/12/24
| News Source: JPost
Israeli ground forces targeted an Iranian missile production facility in Syria during a strike this week attributed to Israel, according to Middle East expert Eva J. Koulouriotis, who specializes in jihadist groups and cited a security source. Koulouriotis wrote on X that special Israeli forces entered the facility, removed equipment, and then destroyed the site.
On Sunday evening, reports indicated that Israel had carried out a wide-scale attack in the region, which included strikes on a scientific research center believed by Western sources to be responsible for developing non-conventional weapons.
According to Koulouriotis, the operation began with airstrikes on several roads leading to the facility, located approximately six kilometers southwest of Masyaf. A Syrian military headquarters was also targeted. Following the airstrikes, Israeli helicopters carrying special units approached the facility, supported by combat helicopters and drones, which were deployed to prevent reinforcements from reaching the area.
The operation reportedly lasted about an hour. Israeli special forces successfully entered the facility, removed key equipment and documents, rigged the site with explosives, and destroyed it, all while withdrawing under air cover.
Koulouriotis added that the facility was directly linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards and was responsible for developing ballistic missiles and drones, providing logistical support to Hezbollah. The facility had been operational for over a decade and was also targeted by Israel last year.