Israeli F-35s reportedly carried out strikes on Damascus International Airport in January, targeting an alleged ‘Iranian’ presence in the area. Air defences intercepted 30 of the missiles, although some still managed to get through and damage airport infrastructure, including storehouses and a Chinese-supplied radar.
The JY-27 ‘Wide Mat’ long-range early warning radar which was reported destroyed during the 20 January Israeli Air Force strike on the Damascus airport has been successfully restored, the Sina news portal has reported, citing fresh satellite photos of the airport and the surrounding area.
Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes in Syria, with the latest attack taking place last weekend against an alleged ‘Iran-linked’ missile factory in Hama province. Tel Aviv has accused Tehran of attempting to establish a foothold in Syria for a possible future military attack against Israel. Iranian officials have insisted that the country’s presence in Syria, limited to military advisers, arms and technical assistance, was provided to Syria at Damascus’ behest to help the country in its fight against Islamist terrorism.