Israel destroys helicopters and air defence systems controlled by Syrian rebels

Israel has launched a large-scale attack on the Mezzeh airbase in Damascus, destroying helicopters and damaging air defence systems. This is the largest attack on the base, which has recently fallen under opposition control.

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The images were published by the Turkish news agency Anadolu. They show French Aérospatiale SA342 Gazelle helicopters: at least two of them were completely destroyed, and two more were seriously damaged, making them unusable.

In addition, the photos show a hangar with a damaged roof, which houses a machine identified as a possible launcher or charger of the Buk or Kvadrat air defence system. Due to the angle, it is difficult to determine its condition, but the damage to the building indicates a possible strike.

The destroyed airbase. Illustration: Bakr Alkasem/Anadolu

Another photo shows a Buk missile launcher, which, based on visual inspection, did not appear to have sustained any serious damage.

The strike was carried out after control of the airbase was taken over by opposition forces. Israel has previously attacked the base, but this strike is notable for its scale.

Israel's goal is likely to destroy the remaining weapons that could have been transferred to the Syrian opposition forces that overthrew the Bashir al-Assad regime, as well as to weaken the military capabilities of the future Syrian government, which could pose a threat.

Source: Anadolu