Israel's rapid air strike on Syria: Missile depot in Latakia destroyed, one killed, questions raised on Russia's silence

Latakia: The Israel Air Force (IAF) carried out a major air strike targeting weapons depots in the Syrian coastal city of Latakia, killing one civilian. In this attack, Israel has claimed to have destroyed sea-to-sea missiles and surface-to-air missile systems. This attack is part of Israel's strategy, under which it wants to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of "extremists" in Syria. Meanwhile, Russia's silence has raised many questions, as its major Khmeimim air base is located near Latakia.

Details and impact of the attack

According to Syrian state media SANA, at 2:50 am on 30 May 2025, Israeli warplanes attacked weapons depots near the village of Jama in Latakia. The attack killed one civilian and damaged private properties. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the attack targeted military installations, particularly depots of coast-to-coast missiles. Viral videos on social media showed large explosions and flames in the port area of Latakia, indicating the destruction of weapons.

The Israeli military issued a statement confirming that the operation was aimed at "destroying missiles that pose a threat to international and Israeli maritime freedom." Components of surface-to-air missile systems were also destroyed in the attack. Israel says these weapons could have reached Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah, which pose a threat to Israel.

Israel's strategy in Syria

Israel has intensified its military actions in Syria since Hamas' attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. In 2024, SOHR documented 94 Israeli attacks in Syria, including 77 airstrikes and 17 rocket/missile attacks. These attacks destroyed more than 185 targets, including weapons depots, military vehicles, and headquarters of Iran-backed militias.

Israel carried out more than 350 airstrikes in Syria following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024, including the destruction of 15 Syrian Navy ships at the ports of Latakia and al-Bayda. Israel claims that these attacks were carried out to prevent the Assad regime's military assets from falling into the hands of extremist groups, particularly Hezbollah.

Russia's silence and geopolitical implications

Russia's Khmeimim air base near Latakia and the naval base in Tartus are the core of Russia's military presence in Syria. In 2018, Syrian air defences mistakenly shot down a Russian IL-20 plane during an Israeli attack, killing 15 Russian soldiers. That incident had strained Russia-Israel relations. Russia's silence this time has raised questions, as the attack took place close to its airbase. Analysts believe Russia, which has been a major supporter of the Assad regime, is now cautious about its position in Syria, as the new Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leadership tries to balance ties with Russia.

Syria and international reaction

Syria's interim government and HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa condemned the Israeli attacks, calling it a "violation of Syrian sovereignty". Turkey also criticised Israel's occupation of the buffer zone in the Golan Heights, calling it an "occupation mentality". The United Nations warned that Syria's chemical weapons depots are vulnerable, and Israel called the attacks necessary to destroy them.

Gaza and regional tensions

The attack comes at a time when Israel is embroiled in ceasefire talks with Hamas in Gaza. US envoy Steve Witkoff has described Hamas' terms as "unacceptable", and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening. The Latakia attack is part of Israel's broader strategy to take action on multiple fronts simultaneously against Iran and its allies—Hezbollah and Syrian militias.

Conclusion

Israel's latest attack in Latakia is another sign of rising tensions in the Middle East. By targeting weapons depots, Israel has prioritized its own security, but this move could increase regional instability. Russia's silence and Syria's weak position have made Israel more aggressive. Will these attacks further weaken the prospects of peace in the region, or will a new diplomatic path emerge? This question remains the center of discussion on the global stage.