An response to rocket launched towards Golan Heights. For experts it is the most serious military confrontation since 1973. Missile launching platforms, intelligence posts, logistics and storage depots hit.
Jerusalem (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Israeli army has hit dozens of "Iranian military posts" in Syria, in response to rocket attacks attributed to Iran on the Golan Heights, where the state of maximum alert is in force. The operation launched by the Israeli military is the biggest in recent years against Iranian targets. According to Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, the targets of the attacks were the missile launching platforms, as well as intelligence posts, logistics and storage depots.
The army spokesman claimed that Israel "is not looking for military escalation" against Iran. However, for the first time a rocket launch against the Jewish state has been directly attributed to Tehran. This was followed by a massive response.
Analysts and experts say that a similar level of aggression has not been seen in the Golan Heights since 1973. The area is the fulcrum of tensions between Iran and Israel. Today's actions represent an "unprecedented military escalation" between the two nations; and it is no coincidence that it happens after the announcement by US President Donald Trump of his intention to end the Iranian nuclear agreement (JCPOA).
It seems increasingly probable that the clash between the two historical enemies of the Middle East area is not just a matter of words, but is now an open military confrontation. The launch of rockets from the Syrian territory to the Golan heights (annexed in 1981 by the Jewish state) is attributed to Al-Qods forces, a faction of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards who are used for foreign operations.
According to the Israeli army spokesman, more than 20 rockets and mortars were launched in the attack. However, neither victims nor wounded have been reported.
A few hours later, Israel's impressive response arrived, with missiles striking targets in the Syrian city of Baath in Quneitra, near the border. Government sources in Damascus add that other rockets have been intercepted over the skies of the capital, in Homs and Sueida.
Military sources also point out that Russia was warned of the imminence of the Israeli attack, in the context of the information exchange system under way between the major states of the two armies. "The Russians were alerted before our attack - confirmed Lieutenant Colonel Conricus - through the mechanism put in place" between the two countries.
Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Iran is ready "to launch missiles on the State of Israel". Known as one of the "hawks" of the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and one of the most strenuous supporters of a conflict with the Islamic Republic, he added "it is better to act in a preventive manner" and strike first. (DS)