Details have emerged about a dramatic raid by Israeli special forces on a missile production facility linked to Hezbollah in Syria. According to U.S. media reports, the operation took place earlier this week, although the Israeli government has not officially commented on the raid.
Syrian state media reports that the operation, which occurred on Monday near the city of Masyaf—approximately 25 miles north of the Lebanese border—resulted in 18 deaths and several dozen injuries. The New York Times reported that Israeli special forces, arriving by helicopter, placed explosives inside the Iranian-built facility and removed sensitive information.
The operation, which reportedly involved air strikes to neutralize Syrian defenses and prevent reinforcements, has been described as a sophisticated and daring mission. The Israeli Air Force’s elite Shaldag unit is believed to have conducted the raid. Axios news site reports that Israel notified the U.S. about the operation prior to its execution and received no resistance from the White House.
While the Israeli government has not confirmed the details, the raid appears to be aimed at preventing Iran from supplying precision missiles to Hezbollah, Israel’s Lebanese ally and proxy. This operation follows a pattern of Israeli air strikes against Syrian targets, which have intensified since the start of the Gaza war almost a year ago.
In addition to the recent raid, Israeli air strikes have targeted several military sites near Masyaf, resulting in significant casualties. The Syrian health minister reported that at least 18 people were killed in these strikes. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), Israeli air and artillery strikes have hit Syrian territory over 60 times this year, targeting weapons depots, vehicles, and Iran-backed militia headquarters. These strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 208 fighters, including members of the Syrian government forces, Hezbollah, and Iranian Revolutionary Guards, as well as 22 civilians.
The SOHR also noted that these strikes have caused extensive damage and destruction, underscoring the ongoing conflict and its far-reaching implications.
