Syrian, Russian Air Defenses Respond to Israeli Strike near Hmeimim Airbase

“Unknown drones carried out airstrikes targeting an ammunition warehouse near Jablah city in Latakia countryside, leading to the warehouse's destruction and massive explosions audible from afar,” the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) claimed.

SOHR indicated it was unclear if the drones were launched from Syrian territory or the sea. Local reports suggested the attack involved drones, warplanes, and warships.

Warships and aircraft believed to be Israeli conducted the operation, according to SOHR, adding that Syrian and Russian forces responded to the missile strikes for over 40 minutes.

The targeted warehouse was situated near Russia’s Hmeimim airbase, the largest Russian military installation in Syria.

This incident followed an Israeli airstrike in the Mezzeh neighborhood of Damascus on October 2, which killed three civilians and injured several others, according to Syria’s state news agency SANA.

A day earlier, Israeli airstrikes targeted areas in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of several people, including journalist Safaa Ahmad.

These airstrikes come amid an extensive Israeli campaign in Lebanon, including Beirut, as well as continued strikes on Gaza, which Israel has targeted daily.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the attack, stating, “For the second time in two days, the Zionist entity committed another crime, targeting a residential building in a densely populated area in Damascus, killing three civilians, injuring many others, and causing significant damage.”

The ministry renewed its call for the UN Security Council to take action, condemning Israel’s criminal aggressions in Syria and the region. It also urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for violations of international law and humanitarian principles.