On April 2 and 3, 2025, the Israeli Air Force conducted a series of air strikes across Syria, targeting multiple strategic military sites amid rising tensions in the region. The strikes, which were confirmed by various sources including the Syrian state news agency SANA, aimed at military facilities that have been previously associated with Iranian military operations and Syrian military development.
According to reports from Israeli military radio station Galey Tzahal, the air strikes specifically struck a scientific center in Damascus, the T4 military airfield in Homs province, and a military airfield in Hama province. The operations were described as a direct message to Turkey regarding its military ambitions in Syria, particularly its plans to establish military bases.
In the early hours of April 2, Israeli fighter jets targeted several locations, including a military research center in the Barzeh district of Damascus, which has been a repeated target of Israeli airstrikes in the past. Local military sources indicated that the airstrikes were part of a broader strategy to dismantle the remaining military capabilities of the Syrian regime.
On April 3, reports emerged of a missile strike on a military facility located in the Masakin-Berzi area, north of the Syrian capital. This attack was characterized by a strong explosion that reverberated through Damascus and its surroundings, as reported by the Syrian state news agency SANA. Eyewitness accounts noted that the facility was previously utilized by the former Syrian army and housed a military research center.
As the Israeli military continues its operations, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that since the beginning of 2025, over 20 Israeli operations have been conducted, resulting in the destruction of approximately 50 infrastructure facilities, including weapons depots and command posts. These operations have reportedly led to the deaths of at least 20 individuals, including soldiers and pro-Iranian fighters.
The airstrikes on April 2 were particularly significant, as they coincided with reports that Turkey was preparing to deploy air defense systems at the T4 base. Turkish plans include the deployment of the domestic 'Hisar' missile system and reconnaissance drones, aimed at enhancing air defense in central Syria and conducting operations against remnants of the Islamic State.
Israeli military sources indicated that the strikes on April 2 targeted key components of the military infrastructure, including runways, fuel depots, and radar systems at the Hama military airport and the T4 airbase. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that these operations are ongoing and necessary to eliminate any threats to Israeli citizens.
The backdrop to these military actions includes a significant shift in the Syrian political landscape following the recent fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024. This political upheaval has allowed Israel to expand its operations, particularly in the Golan Heights, which Israel has occupied since 1967. Reports suggest that Israel has taken advantage of the regime's instability to conduct hundreds of strikes against military targets across Syria.
As tensions continue to escalate, the implications of Israel's military actions and Turkey's potential military presence in Syria could lead to further regional instability. Analysts warn that the increased military activity could provoke retaliation from Iranian forces or their allies in Syria, complicating an already volatile situation.
In summary, the recent Israeli air strikes in Syria reflect a complex interplay of military strategy, regional politics, and international relations. With ongoing developments, the situation remains fluid, and the potential for escalation is a concern for both regional and global stakeholders.
