FILE PHOTO An Israeli F-16 fighter jet © Amir Cohen / Reuters
The November 24 Israeli airstrikes on Syria targeted an air defense base located some eight kilometers to the south of the central city of Homs, satellite images revealed.
The base hosts at least one operational Soviet-made S-200 long-range air-defense system, which was apparently the target of the Israeli airstrikes. The system’s main 5N62 fire control radar was hit along with at least one 5P72 missile launcher.
The Israeli airstrikes also hit an unidentified target located along a key highway linking Homs city with the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli.
34.723164, 36.682817 – not sure exactly what this is to be honest, but it appears to be struck from the reported airstrike. https://t.co/jFgAuXiuET pic.twitter.com/5iOAWw4ZGf
— Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) November 27, 2021
According to a report by the Russian Center for Reconciliation in Syria, the airstrikes were launched by six F-16 fighter jets of the Israeli Air Force from the airspace of Lebanon. The fighter jets fired 12 guided missiles. At least ten were intercepted by Syrian air defenses.
A missile fired by a Syrian S-200 system during the engagement landed off the shores of the northern Israeli city of Haifa without causing any losses. The S-200 base in southern Homs was apparently struck in response, meaning it was not likely the main target of the Israeli attack.
Click to see full-size image.
Syrian news sources said that the Israeli airstrikes on Homs claimed the lives of three Syrian service members and two civilians.
Israel intensified its attacks on Syria in November in what appears to be another attempt to mount more pressure on Damascus and its allies, namely Iran.
