Inside Israel’s daring raid that destroyed Iran-funded underground missile factory in Syria
Elite Israeli forces recently conducted a daring raid in Syria, destroying a secret underground long-range missile factory that also contained crucial information about Syria’s chemical weapons program in September. The operation, described as one of the most significant and complex special operations in recent years by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), was revealed to the public on Thursday.
The IDF spokesperson, Nadav Shoshani, provided details about the mission, stating that the precision-guided missile factory was hidden underground inside a mountain. During the operation, Israeli commandos discovered information related to Syria’s chemical weapons program, including notebooks and documents containing specific chemical formulas. The troops dismantled the facility to prevent any potential threats to Israel’s security.
Syria, under the regime of Bashar Assad, has been known to use chemical weapons on its population during the prolonged civil war. Additionally, the U.S.-designated terrorist group Hezbollah has played a significant role in supporting Assad’s regime during the conflict.
The underground factory was capable of producing between 150 to 350 missiles annually, including precision-guided missiles. The IDF’s elite air force unit, Shaldag, participated in the mission, which resulted in the deaths of 30 Syrian soldiers. The operation targeted an Iranian-funded facility intended to manufacture strategic missiles for Hezbollah’s use against Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the operation, calling it a crucial preventive measure against the efforts of the Iranian axis to arm itself for potential attacks on Israel. The raid comes in the wake of a devastating invasion by Hamas in 2023, which led to the deaths of over 1,200 people, including 40 Americans.
The IDF’s successful operation in Syria is seen as a significant blow to Iran’s influence in the region. The raid may also signal Israel’s determination to confront potential threats posed by Iran’s nuclear weapons program, which is believed to be operating in fortified underground facilities.
The construction of the Syrian missile factory began in 2017 and was completed in 2021 with machinery sourced from Iran. Hezbollah, a proxy of Iran, has launched thousands of projectiles towards Israel in recent years, resulting in casualties on the Israeli side.
The raid on the underground missile factory underscores Israel’s commitment to defending itself against threats posed by Iran and its proxies in the region. The operation may mark a turning point in Israel’s strategy towards eliminating potential threats to its security and stability.
