Reports indicate that Syria’s two main airports were severely damaged by airstrikes just before the anticipated arrival of the Iranian Foreign Minister.
Airstrikes cripple Syrian airports as Iran’s foreign minister expected to arrive
On Thursday, airstrikes dealt a devastating blow to the runways of Syria’s main airports, coinciding with the anticipated visit of Iran’s foreign minister. Syrian-state media quickly pointed fingers at Israel, who remained tight-lipped about the incident. The targeted airports were the international hubs in Damascus and Aleppo.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Syrian air defenses attempted to retaliate, just a day before the expected arrival of Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Fortunately, no casualties were reported from the airstrikes.
This incident follows a series of unprecedented attacks by Palestinian terrorists in Israel, resulting in over 1,300 deaths and 3,000 injuries. Among the victims were 27 Americans, with several still missing.
In response to mortar attacks launched by terrorists in Syria, the Israel Defense Forces announced on Tuesday that they were launching heavy artillery fire against Syria.
IDF soldiers are responding with artillery and mortar shells toward the origin of the launching in Syria. pic.twitter.com/4XgKFYsp8T
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 10, 2023
The Times of Israel highlighted Israel’s history of targeting air and sea ports to prevent Iran from supplying weapons to terrorist groups, including Hezbollah based in Lebanon.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Hamas, the terrorist organization responsible for the recent attacks, was even worse than ISIS and would face complete destruction.
“We are fighting with full force on all fronts. We are now on the offensive,” he declared. “Every Hamas operative will meet their demise. Hamas is equivalent to ISIS. We will crush them and eliminate them, just as the world crushed and eliminated ISIS.”
How does the arrival of Iran’s foreign minister amidst the airstrikes on Syrian airports reflect the complex power struggles and alliances in the Middle East
That the airstrikes caused significant damage to the runways, rendering them temporarily unusable. This comes as a major blow to Syria’s already fragile aviation infrastructure, which has been heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict in the country.
The timing of these airstrikes is particularly noteworthy, as they coincide with the expected arrival of Iran’s foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, in Damascus. While the purpose of Zarif’s visit has not been officially disclosed, it is believed to be related to discussions on regional security and the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Syrian-state media wasted no time in pointing fingers at Israel, a country that has frequently targeted Syrian airports and military installations in the past. However, Israel has remained silent on the matter, neither confirming nor denying its involvement in the strikes.
The airstrikes specifically targeted the international airports in Damascus and Aleppo, which are crucial hubs for both domestic and international travel. The temporary closure of these airports will undoubtedly disrupt travel plans for countless individuals and businesses, further isolating Syria from the global community.
In recent years, Syria’s aviation industry has been severely affected by the protracted civil war. The country’s national carrier, Syrian Arab Airlines, has suffered significant losses and has been forced to suspend operations on several international routes. The destruction of the runways will only exacerbate these challenges and hinder any prospects of economic recovery in the near future.
The arrival of Iran’s foreign minister amidst this turmoil adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Iran has been a key ally of the Syrian government throughout the conflict, providing military and financial support. Zarif’s visit may signal Iran’s continued commitment to assisting Syria in its battle against various opposition groups and terrorist organizations.
The airstrikes on Syrian airports and the impending visit of Iran’s foreign minister highlight the volatile nature of the region and the ongoing power struggles between different actors. The Middle East remains a hotbed of geopolitical tensions, with various countries vying for influence and control.
As the smoke clears from the recent attacks, the international community will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. It is imperative that all parties involved exercise restraint and prioritize diplomatic solutions to avoid further escalation and destabilization in the region. The people of Syria have suffered enough, and it is time for the international community to come together and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
