Syria’s Aleppo airport was hit by an air attack conducted by Israel in the early hours of March 22, marking the third such attack on the airport in the past six months. According to Syria’s defence ministry, the airport sustained “material damage.” The attack was conducted via a number of missiles launched from the Mediterranean Sea, which were directed at the coastal city of Latakia at approximately 3:55 a.m. (00:55 GMT). The missiles were fired while Israeli warplanes flew over the Mediterranean towards Aleppo, the country’s largest city and once its commercial centre. The strike’s exact impact has yet to be confirmed, with Syrian state news agency SANA reporting no mention of casualties.
Targeting Suspected Iranian-Sponsored Weapons Dumps
Israel has carried out hundreds of air attacks against Syria, with officials indicating that these were aimed at suspected Iranian-sponsored weapons dumps and personnel. While Israel has frequently attacked Syria, it has rarely accepted responsibility for such attacks. The attacks on Aleppo International Airport are reportedly part of a low-intensity conflict between Israel and what it describes as Iran-linked targets that support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the ongoing civil war.
Significance of Aleppo International Airport
Aleppo International Airport has long been a significant channel for the flow of humanitarian aid into Syria. Since a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit southern Turkey and northwestern Syria on February 6, the airport has been instrumental in providing relief supplies to the affected areas. This makes the attacks on the airport a matter of international concern, given the vital role it plays in providing essential aid to those in need.
Escalation of Conflict
While Israel has carried out numerous air attacks against Syria, the latest attack on Aleppo International Airport is a significant development, given the airport’s importance in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria. The attack is part of what appears to be an escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran-linked targets in Syria, with the Syrian government denouncing the attacks as acts of aggression. As the conflict continues, it remains to be seen what impact this latest attack will have on the situation in Syria.