Israel destroys nearly all Syrian air defence missile stocks

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced that during a series of extensive strikes on Syria, Israel destroyed over 90 per cent of the identified stockpiles of surface-to-air missiles.

"Most of the strikes caused significant damage to Syria's air defence systems, destroying over 90 per cent of the identified strategic surface-to-air missiles. Syria's air defence network is one of the most powerful in the Middle East, and the damage inflicted represents a major achievement for the superiority of the Israeli Air Force in the region," the IDF said, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

As a result of the strikes on the territory of the Arab Republic, entire squadrons of fighter jets and numerous military infrastructure facilities were destroyed, the military reported.

Hundreds of fighter jets and other aircraft of the Israeli Air Force participated in the raids, with targets including Syrian Air Force fighters, attack helicopters, drones, cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, and radar stations. The strikes targeted several Syrian Air Force airbases, including those in the Damascus area.

According to the Israeli military, two squadrons of Su-22 and Su-24 aircraft were destroyed there. Facilities for the production and storage of weapons in the Homs area and other parts of Syria were also attacked. 

"Anticipating the potential collapse of [former Syrian President Bashar] Assad's regime, the Israeli Air Force prepared an extensive strike plan aimed at destroying Syria's advanced military capabilities, including strategic weapons," the message says.

By Naila Huseynova