Peloni: Ironically, this attack on a single factory resulted in more than double the number of reported deaths from an attack on 145 rocket launchers just as the rockets were being fueled and loaded, demonstrating the degree of disconnect between the claim being made about the recent face-off against Hezbollah, which has been described by Mike Doran. Consequently, this begs the question of what the real truth surrounding the attack on Hezbollah’s launchers might have been.
FDD | Sept 12, 2024
Latest Developments
An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) special forces unit reportedly conducted a raid on an underground Iranian-built precision missile factory in Syria, three sources told Axios on September 12. While the IDF has not taken credit for the raid, the sources told the publication it was conducted by the IDF’s elite Sayeret Matkal unit. According to Syrian opposition TV, Israeli commandos used ropes to rappel to the ground from hovering helicopters before engaging in clashes with the surprised Syrian guards at the facility, killing several of them. The commandos then used explosives to blow up the underground facility — including sophisticated machinery. The Times of Israel also reported that the commandos removed some equipment and documents during the raid.
The September 8 raid had originally been reported by Syrian state-controlled media as a series of heavy airstrikes conducted by Israel near the western Syrian city of Masyaf, which reportedly killed 16 and injured 40 others. The Masyaf area houses the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC) — a major military research institution. Reuters reported that the facility was hosting “a team of Iranian experts involved in weapons production.” Israel has repeatedly struck SSRC facilities as part of its campaign against the transfer of advanced weapons, especially missiles, to Hezbollah in Lebanon. SSRC also serves as the hub of Syria’s chemical weapons program. Israel’s Kan public broadcaster cited Middle East researcher Eva J. Koulouriotis, who said that the operation began with the bombing of roads leading to the facility to prevent Syrian forces from reaching it during the operation.
Expert Analysis
“The targets Israel struck are only a stone’s throw from the Syrian-Lebanese border — exactly the right place to manufacture weapons for delivery to Hezbollah with minimal exposure to Israeli air strikes. If the reports of success are accurate, taking out this underground facility is an essential complement to Israel’s multi-year campaign to hit Iranian weapons convoys crossing Syria on the way to Hezbollah.” —David Adesnik, FDD Senior Fellow and Director of Research
“The Israeli special forces raid in Syria, if confirmed, signals a rare departure from Israel’s usual reactive posture when dealing with the ‘ring of fire’ with which Iran is surrounding Israel. As this was one raid, it is difficult to draw long-term conclusions — but this may signal a shift by the Israelis toward more aggressive action to confront Iran’s regional projects on its borders.” — David Daoud, FDD Senior Fellow
Israel Tracked the Facility for Five Years
Sources confirmed to Axios that construction on the underground facility began in 2018 as a collaboration between Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hezbollah, and Syria after the IDF destroyed previously built Iranian missile production infrastructure. The new facility was built inside a mountain, making it impenetrable to Israeli airstrikes. The facility’s proximity to the Lebanese border allowed the missiles it produced to be delivered faster to Hezbollah in Lebanon, reducing the risk of them being destroyed en route by Israeli airstrikes. Israel had been monitoring the facility for five years and had twice considered conducting an operation against it, which was not approved due to the risks involved. Axios reported that Israel briefed U.S. officials prior to the raid and received no opposition.
Israel Reports Striking Israeli Targets
On September 12, the IDF announced that it conducted two drone strikes in southern Syria against a Hezbollah operative and an Iran-linked terrorist. According to a military statement, the first drone strike — near the city of Quneitra — killed Ahmed al-Jaber, a member of the “Golan File” unit affiliated with Syrian Hezbollah. The IDF said that the second strike was conducted near the city of Rafid, targeting a “terrorist who advanced terror acts against the State of Israel and acted with the cooperation and direction of Iran.”
Iranian Entrenchment in Syria
The IRGC’s Quds Force (IRGC-QF) has provided crucial support to the regime of Bashar al-Assad since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011. On Assad’s behalf, Quds Force personnel have organized, trained, and commanded an array of primarily Shia militias from across the region. The IRGC-QF has also exploited its freedom of action in Syria to ship advanced weapons, especially precision-guided munitions, to Hezbollah. Additionally, the Quds Force has sought to establish military infrastructure that would serve Tehran’s purposes in the future. In response, Jerusalem has launched hundreds of airstrikes against Iranian, Hezbollah, and militia targets to prevent both their entrenchment in Syria and the transfer of advanced weapons to Hezbollah.
“Syria Blames Israel for Strikes on Military Research Center,” FDD Flash Brief
“Alleged Israeli Airstrike Kills Iranian Military Advisor in Syria,” FDD Flash Brief
“Alleged Israeli Airstrike in Syria Kills IRGC Officer and Hezbollah Members,” FDD Flash Brief
“At Least Two Reported Killed in Alleged Israeli Airstrike in Damascus,” FDD Flash Brief
There was rumor they captured an Iranian or two as well.
Great if true. Chemical weapons in the hands of Hezbollah are a serious threat to Israel. An important achievement if Israel has managed to blow up Iran’s manufacturing plant for chemical weapons.
Need to cut the head of the SNAKE!