In the last 48 hours, Israeli forces have launched a massive offensive on Syrian military installations, claiming to have destroyed 80% of Syria’s military capabilities. The strikes targeted strategic weapons at Syrian military bases to prevent them from falling into the hands of rebel forces. However, suspicions are rising that Israel may be trying to exploit Syria’s internal instability to seize territory, as Israeli forces were reported moving deep into Syrian territory.
The leader of a major Syrian rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has stated through Western media that there will be no further wars and announced plans to establish a transitional government for the next three months. The United Nations and international communities are urging the formation of an inclusive transitional government, and the UN Syria envoy is considering removing HTS from the list of terrorist organizations if such a government is formed.
The situation is further complicated by Russia’s efforts to maintain its naval and air force bases in Syria, negotiating with rebel factions despite having supported the Syrian government in the conflict. This is anticipated to face challenges, given Russia’s prior actions in the Syrian civil war and its acceptance of President Bashar al-Assad’s asylum application.