Russian Khmeimim Airbase Not Hit in Israeli Attack on Syrian Latakia Province

The Israeli Air Force conducted an airstrike in Latakia province, Syria, near the Russian-operated Khmeimim (Hmeimim) airbase, but the base itself remained untouched.

Initial reports from Arab media suggested that the strike targeted a military transport aircraft believed to be delivering weapons from Iran to the Lebanese Hezbollah movement. However, it was confirmed that the city of Jableh, approximately 2 km from the airbase, was the actual target of the airstrike.

In response to the attack, Syrian and Russian air defenses were activated, resulting in the interception of some Israeli munitions, including Dalila anti-radar cruise missiles and GBU family guided bombs. Despite these efforts, some missiles hit a warehouse utilized by Syrian and Iranian military forces. No direct strikes occurred at the Khmeimim airbase itself. Analysts suggest that Israel is cautious about escalating tensions with Russia, particularly given that a significant portion of the Israeli population comprises Russian speakers.

Reports indicate that Israeli forces targeted sites along the Syrian coast, including locations near the Hmeimim airbase. While Syrian media reported damage to military sites in the region, including a warehouse at the airbase, the runways remained intact. The strikes appear to be part of Israel's broader strategy to counter Iranian arms transfers to Hezbollah.

Related news: Israel Strikes Near Russian Air Base in Syria Amid Broader Regional Bombing Campaign

In the aftermath of the attack, Russian forces conducted air patrols over the area. This escalation aligns with ongoing Israeli operations across Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza aimed at Iranian-backed militias and their supply routes. Although Russian air defense systems, such as the S-400 and S-300V4, were employed to intercept incoming missiles, they have yet to directly engage Israeli aircraft.

President Joe Biden, as reported by Reuters, stated that the U.S. is considering strikes on Iran's oil facilities in retaliation for Tehran's missile attack on Israel.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggest that Iran has requested satellite intelligence from Russia to enhance its early detection and response capabilities against an anticipated Israeli counterattack following recent ballistic missile strikes on Israel.