Israel targeted Iran-backed groups in Syria with over 43 airstrikes in 2024

By Esref Musa and Mehmet Burak Karacaoglu

Israel intensified its military operations in Syria throughout 2024, launching at least 43 airstrikes against Iran-backed groups aligned with the Bashar al-Assad regime, according to sources within the region.

These airstrikes, which have primarily targeted military convoys, weapon depots, and drone development centers, mark a significant escalation in Israel's ongoing efforts to curb Iranian influence in the war-torn country.

Israel's first recorded airstrike after the 2011 Syrian uprising occurred on Jan. 30, 2013, when its warplanes targeted the Jamraya Military Scientific Research Center in Damascus.

While Assad regime sources claimed that the attack struck a military facility, international media reported that the actual target was a convoy delivering weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon, marking the beginning of Israel’s covert war against Iran's military presence in Syria.

In subsequent years, Israel has periodically launched airstrikes against various targets in Syria, including Iranian-backed groups, the regime's arms development facilities, and military convoys.

With the introduction of short- and medium-range rockets into Syria by Iranian forces, Israel expanded its operations to include strikes on airports. Since 2018, Israel has bombed key airports, including Damascus Military Mezzeh Airport, Damascus International Airport, Aleppo International Airport, and military airports like T4 and Shayrat in Homs.

- 2024 - a year of intensified operations

According to data compiled by Anadolu, Israel’s air campaign in Syria this year has been one of its most intense. The airstrikes have targeted Iran-affiliated military groups in at least seven provinces, including Damascus, Aleppo, Daraa, Hama, Homs, Tartus, and Latakia.

Of these, Damascus and Hama bore the brunt, with 16 strikes each. Notable strikes include attacks on rocket and drone development facilities, military convoys, and weapon depots.

Israel's warplanes have targeted regions in southern Syria, such as Damascus and Daraa, as well as central areas like Homs and Hama, often launching attacks from Lebanese airspace or the Golan Heights. Additionally, Israel has utilized the Mediterranean Sea to strike coastal areas in Aleppo, Tartus, and Latakia, including the Banyas district.

- Sept. 9 - one of the most intense attacks

On Sept. 9, Israel conducted one of its most extensive single-day operations in Syria, targeting 15 military sites in the Masyaf district of Hama. These sites were known to house facilities for the development of rockets and drones operated by Iran-backed groups.

The Syrian state news agency SANA reported that the strikes resulted in 18 deaths and 37 injuries, underscoring the deadly impact of Israel’s air campaign.

Following Israel's military operations in Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, the focus of its Syrian campaign shifted towards eliminating high-ranking Iranian military officers.

On April 1, 2024, Israeli warplanes struck near the Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus, killing seven individuals, including two generals from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While Israeli officials did not officially claim responsibility, Iran condemned the attack and held Israel accountable.