On May 1, Israel’s ImageSat International released a satellite images revealing that the Syrian al-Sha’irat Air Base has recovered from the recent Israeli attack.
Israel warplanes targeted al-Sha’irat from Lebanon’s airspace on March 31. The airstrikes hit the base’s runway, access routes and navigation equipment.
ImageSat’s photos show that the craters caused by the attack were fixed. New navigation equipment was also installed in the air base, which appeared to be in service. Several Mig-23 warplanes can be spotted preparing for takeoff next to the runway.
2/3: The craters from the mentioned attack were fixed and the destroyed navigation systems have been replaced. pic.twitter.com/JL5qtKrF76
— ImageSat Intl. (@ImageSatIntl) May 1, 2020
3/3: Mig-23 activity is detected at #Shayrat Airbase, #Syria: The base is repaired and has returned to operations after two weeks of repairing due to a massive airstrike.#ISI #intelligence #defense #defence #aircraft #airbase #Mig #airforce #Shayrat #IMINT #VISINT #Space #AI pic.twitter.com/O3d4O8zW6f
— ImageSat Intl. (@ImageSatIntl) May 1, 2020
The March 31 strikes were meant to knock the al-Sha’irat Air Base out of service, preventing the arrival of new weapon shipments from Iran, according to several sources. In the months leading up to the strikes, the air base received many cargo planes coming from Iran.
This was not the first attack on al-Sha’irat. In 2017, the air base was the target of a large U.S. missile strike, carried out in response to the alleged chemical attack on Khan Shaykhun. At least 50 cruise missiles struck the base. However, it returned to service within 24 hours.
