Israeli air strikes on Aleppo airport in northern Syria caused the grounding of flights on Monday, the Syrian state news agency (SANA) reported.
These airstrikes have predominantly targeted forces backed by Iran and Hezbollah from Lebanon, along with positions held by the Syrian army.
Early this morning, around 4:30 am (0130 GMT), the Israeli military reportedly launched an aerial attack from the Mediterranean region west of Latakia, aimed at Aleppo International Airport.
As a result of this attack, the runway suffered damage. Israel generally refrains from confirming its actions in Syria, although it has consistently stated its opposition to Iran’s attempts to extend its influence within the country.
An Israeli army representative declined to comment on foreign media reports regarding the incident. Suleiman Khalil, an official from Syria’s transport ministry, mentioned that the destruction was concentrated on the sole operational runway. Efforts to restore the airport’s functionality are set to begin immediately.
In response to the damage, flights were redirected to Damascus and Latakia airports. This occurrence marks the second occasion in March when Israeli strikes have incapacitated the airport.
Last March, an attack resulted in three casualties. Another strike two weeks later demolished an alleged arms depot used by Iran-supported militias at Aleppo airport.
These recent airstrikes come after a previous incident a week ago, in which Israeli strikes near Damascus led to the deaths of two fighters supporting the Syrian government. The Observatory, a UK-based organization reliant on sources within Syria, reported this development.
The Syrian conflict has caused the deaths of more than 500,000 individuals and displaced millions since 2011, which severely damaged the country’s infrastructure and industries.
