By Joel C. Rosenberg
JoelRosenberg.com
"A Syrian air defense base near the port city of Latakia was completely destroyed on Thursday morning in a missile attack from the sea," reports the Jerusalem Post, citing Arab media accounts.
"According to reports emanating from the rebels seeking to oust Syrian President Bashar Assad, a large explosion occurred near the army base in Latakia on Wednesday night. Witness posted on Twitter that the explosion happened near coastal city Jableh, 30 kilometers south of Latakia, a stronghold of Assad's Alawites."
Syrian and Lebanese media have charged that Israel is behind the attack
"It is unclear who is behind the explosion or its purpose," the Post noted. "There were no reports of casualties. Members of the Syrian and Lebanese media have charged that Israel is behind the attack. Israel's defense establishment has not responded to the report. Channel 2 News reported that the attack's target was a S-125 surface-to-air missiles battery. Satellite images of the area obtained by Channel 2 show the Russian-made Neva missiles, as well as a SA-3 missile battery, that also includes a command center with a radar to track the missiles' targets and broadcasting antennas to track the missiles as they are launched. The missiles have a range of 35km. and a 70k. warhead. Lebanese media also reported that six Israel Air Force planes flew over Ayta ash Shab, Bint Jbeil and Marjayoun in southern Lebanon overnight. Such reports are common in the Lebanese media."
- Reports: Syrian air base destroyed in missile attack from sea • Jerusalem Post
- Large explosion reported at Syrian army missile base in Latakia • Haaretz
- Report: Missile launched from sea hits Syrian base • Ynet News
- Report: Israel strikes Syrian military base near Latakia • Israel Hayom
- 'Israel attacked twice in Syria, destroying SA-8 missiles' • Times of Israel
