Israel Syria attacks: Homs and Latakia targeted by airstrikes

Israel Syria attacks on Homs and Latakia condemned by Damascus, raising tensions and calling for international action. Details on strikes and impact. The Syrian government has strongly condemned recent Israeli airstrikes targeting the cities of Homs and Latakia, calling the attacks a severe violation of national sovereignty. According to the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these strikes represent a continuation of Israel’s “aggressive escalations” against Syrian territory.

Details of the Attacks

Early on Tuesday, Israeli warplanes reportedly struck multiple sites in and around Homs, a key city in western Syria, and Latakia, a strategic coastal city. While official Syrian sources did not disclose casualties or the extent of the damage, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that Homs’ air force base suffered explosions loud enough to alarm local residents. In Latakia, Israeli jets targeted a military barracks, with emergency vehicles reportedly rushing to the scene.

Syrian Response and International Call

The Syrian Foreign Ministry described the attacks as a “direct threat” to both national and regional security. Damascus urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to take decisive action to halt Israel’s repeated strikes, framing them as clear violations of international law and the UN Charter.

A Surge in Israeli Military Activity

Israel has reportedly carried out nearly 100 attacks in Syria in 2025 alone, including airstrikes and ground incursions. Between December 8 and December 31, 2024, following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, Israel launched over 500 attacks across Syrian territory, marking a significant escalation compared to previous years. These operations have targeted military installations and infrastructure, resulting in substantial destruction and loss of life.

The Wider Context

Historically, Israel has maintained a discreet campaign of aerial strikes against Syrian military facilities. However, tensions have intensified following the recent conflict in Gaza and political instability in Damascus. Notably, in late August, an Israeli drone strike killed six Syrian soldiers in Damascus, occurring just a day after Israeli ground forces crossed into Syrian territory.

Political Implications

These attacks coincide with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vision of a “Greater Israel”, a concept that includes claims on territories in the West Bank, Gaza, and parts of Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan. Analysts suggest that these military actions are part of a broader strategy to assert regional influence while responding to perceived security threats.

Conclusion

The latest strikes underscore the fragile security situation in Syria and the escalating tension between the two nations. While Damascus calls for international intervention, the situation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, where military actions are increasingly intertwined with political ambitions.