Israel conducted one of the most extensive air operations in modern history, codenamed Operation Bashan Arrow. The unprecedented two-day operation saw the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launch over 320 coordinated airstrikes, dismantling critical infrastructure and military assets across Syria. Israeli officials confirmed that the operation, conducted in response to growing regional threats and the collapse of Syria’s Assad regime, destroyed between 70-80% of Syria’s military capabilities.
Tel Aviv, Israel – In a striking display of military precision and power, Israel conducted one of the most extensive air operations in modern history, codenamed Operation Bashan Arrow, effectively crippling Syrian military capabilities. The unprecedented two-day operation saw the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launch over 320 coordinated airstrikes, dismantling critical infrastructure and military assets across Syria.
Israeli officials confirmed that the operation, conducted in response to growing regional threats and the collapse of Syria’s Assad regime, destroyed between 70-80% of Syria’s military capabilities. Analysts and military experts have described the scale and effectiveness of the operation as “one of the greatest air assaults in history.”
Strategic Precision: How Operation Bashan Arrow Unfolded
The Operation Bashan Arrow began under the cover of darkness with over 350 Israeli fighter jets and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) taking flight. The IDF meticulously targeted a wide array of military installations, including fighter jet airstrips, missile launchers, radar systems, anti-aircraft defenses, and drone bases. According to Israeli military officials, the strikes were designed to dismantle Syria’s offensive and defensive military infrastructure, preventing advanced weaponry from falling into hostile hands, such as extremist groups and Iranian-backed militias.
A key target was Mount Hermon, a highly strategic location overlooking the Golan Heights. Israeli ground forces simultaneously secured the Syrian side of the mountain, establishing a buffer zone to safeguard northern Israel from any retaliatory strikes or insurgent activity. This ground maneuver highlighted Israel’s dual-pronged approach to achieving its objectives both in the air and on the ground.
The IDF also confirmed the use of advanced munitions, including “earthquake bombs”, precision-guided missiles capable of penetrating deep underground bunkers and fortified targets. Many of Syria’s underground missile silos and command centers were reportedly destroyed in the strikes.
The Targets: What Israel Crushed
According to intelligence sources, Operation Bashan Arrow systematically destroyed Syria’s:
- Fighter jets and combat helicopters — rendering Syria’s air force inoperable.
- Surface-to-air missile systems — including Soviet-era SAMs and newer Iranian systems.
- Scud missile platforms and cruise missile depots.
- Radar systems critical for tracking and intercepting incoming attacks.
- Drone and UAS launch bases used for reconnaissance and targeted strikes.
The destruction was so comprehensive that satellite imagery captured by independent monitoring agencies showed vast swathes of Syrian military bases reduced to rubble. Military analysts say the operation effectively set back Syria’s military capabilities by decades.
Why Israel Launched Operation Bashan Arrow
The collapse of the Assad regime created a dangerous power vacuum in Syria, raising concerns that advanced weaponry, including missiles and drones, could fall into the hands of extremist factions such as ISIS remnants or Iranian proxies like Hezbollah. Israel has repeatedly vowed to prevent Iran and its allies from establishing a stronghold in Syria.
“Operation Bashan Arrow was necessary to secure Israel’s northern front and neutralize emerging threats,” said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant in a televised statement. “We will not allow Iran or its proxies to exploit Syria’s instability to endanger Israeli civilians.”
Galant also praised the IDF’s precision, highlighting that civilian casualties were minimized despite the scale of the operation. “This was a surgical military campaign,” he added. “Our forces eliminated threats while adhering to international protocols.”
The Aftermath: Regional Repercussions
The Operation Bashan Arrow has reshaped the balance of power in the Middle East. With Syria’s military infrastructure decimated, the country’s ability to project force or defend against external threats has been virtually erased. Syrian government officials, many of whom fled to Russia amid the regime’s collapse, condemned Israel’s actions but were unable to mount any meaningful response.
“The Israeli aggression represents a violation of Syria’s sovereignty,” a Syrian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated. “We will pursue international legal measures.” However, the Syrian military’s inability to retaliate underscores the extent of the damage inflicted.
Global Reactions
International responses have been mixed. The United States expressed cautious support for Israel’s objectives, reiterating its stance that preventing Iranian influence in Syria is essential for regional stability.
“The situation in Syria remains precarious, and Israel has acted in line with its right to self-defense,” said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “However, all parties must prioritize minimizing civilian harm.”
Conversely, Iran and Russia condemned the strikes. Tehran labeled the operation as an “unprovoked act of aggression,” while Moscow called for de-escalation, warning that further instability in Syria could lead to a wider conflict.
Israel’s Message to Its Adversaries
Operation Bashan Arrow sends a clear message to Israel’s adversaries: the nation will act decisively to neutralize any threats to its security. With one of the most formidable air forces in the world, Israel demonstrated its ability to strike swiftly and comprehensively, altering the strategic landscape in Syria and beyond.
For now, Syria’s military lies in ruins, its capability to wage war severely diminished. As Israel consolidates its gains, regional actors are left to reassess their positions in a changing Middle East.
“Israel’s military has shown once again that it will not hesitate to act against its enemies,” said retired IDF General Eitan Ben-David. “This operation will be remembered as a turning point in modern military history.”
What’s Next?
With the military phase of Operation Bashan Arrow concluded, Israel’s focus now shifts to securing its gains and preventing the resurgence of hostile forces. The newly established buffer zone in the Golan Heights will serve as a critical line of defense against any future incursions.
Meanwhile, the world watches closely as Syria struggles to recover from yet another devastating blow. Whether this operation marks the end of a chapter or the beginning of new conflicts remains to be seen, but Israel’s strategic message rings loud and clear: its national security is non-negotiable.
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