Turkish Spy Chief in Damascus, Israel ‘Destroys 86% of Russian Air Defence Systems in Syria’ – News18

Israel declared total air superiority over Syria following an extensive bombing campaign that dismantled most of Syria’s air defence systems. The Israeli Air Force reported the destruction of 86% of Syria’s air defences, including Russian-made systems like SA-22 Pantsir-S1 and SA-17 Buk, which had posed challenges since 2013. This operation enabled Israel to strike Iranian and Hezbollah targets with fewer risks. Over 1,800 munitions were used to eliminate nearly all Syrian strategic military sites. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated the strikes aimed to prevent military equipment abandoned by Syria from falling into terrorists’ hands. International watchdogs, however, cautioned about potential risks to chemical weapons sites, highlighting contamination and loss of evidence concerns. Meanwhile, Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin visited Damascus, joined by Qatar’s state security head, sparking speculation over Turkey’s growing role in post-Assad Syria. The G7 called for an inclusive, non-sectarian government in Syria and emphasised human rights protection during the country’s transition. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reiterated Israel’s commitment to preventing threats from Syria and aiding its minorities during discussions with US officials. n18oc_world n18oc_crux