Syria’s anti-aircraft defence shot down Israeli missiles

Defence Redefined

Published on 20/04/2020 at 12:21

Syria’s anti-aircraft defence intercepted Israeli missiles on Monday, April 20, in the airspace above the Palmyra archeological site in the central part of the war-torn country, the state-run SANA news agency reported.

“The antiaircraft defence faced an Israeli strike over Palmyra and intercepted many enemy missiles,” said the agency’s telegram, which is not given more details.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based NGO, said the attack was aimed at “positions of Iranian paramilitary groups in the Palmyra desert” without any casualties.

When asked by the French Agency, a spokesman for the Israeli army declined to comment. Since the outbreak of the armed conflict in Syria, Israel has unleashed hundreds of strikes against the government forces in Damascus, as well as those of its allies, Iran and Hezbollah.

Syria’s anti-aircraft defence also intercepted on March 31, according to SANA, “several missiles” fired by the Israelis “before hitting their targets” in Homs province, where Palmyra is located.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the target of the missiles was “Al Sairat military airfield”, where Iranian forces are present.

Israel’s government and military leadership – which very rarely confirm operations in Syrian territory – often say they will not allow Syria to become a protectorate to Iran.

From CNA