Attacks on Syrian military targets destroys threatening surface-to-air weapons system

At least 15 people — nine of whom were members of pro-Iranian militias — were killed in air and sea strikes on a Syrian weapons outpost on Monday morning, according to an independent war monitor. 

The attack came after an Israeli satellite imagery analysis company said that Syria’s entire long-range surface-to-air missile systems (the S-300) appeared to be operational — a serious threat against Israel’s ability to defend itself from hostile outposts. Satellite photos released this week showed the fourth and final system finally in position.

Israel did not comment on the strike, but has in the past admitted to stepping up attacks on foreign targets in Syria in order to prevent Iranian entrenchment in the region in recent years. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the extensive attacks which also targeted Iranian-linked bases near Homs and at least 10 targets near Damascus, including a base where Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces are headquartered. Some civilians were reported killed as well, a rare occurrence in these clashes.

Syria’s state news agency SANA said that Syrian air defense had intercepted several of the incoming missiles fired from Lebanese airspace. Later a Syrian surface-to-air missile landed in northern Cyprus — apparently missing the mark on an Israeli target.