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Neither Israel nor Syria has confirmed nor denied Western reports of a landing operation carried out by Israeli special forces in Masyaf, Syria.
The operation allegedly targeted the Scientific Studies and Research Center facilities during the night of September 8-9. However, residents in the Tartous region reported hearing helicopters flying over the area before the violent strikes began, and these affirmations were widely shared on social media.
According to security sources, this suggests Israeli helicopters were involved in the operation. It remains unclear whether they landed soldiers or struck specific targets.
Syrian sources reported 17 fatalities. Syrian authorities have not clarified the roles of the victims, stating only that some were civilians and others were military personnel from air defense units. A significant number of the dead remain unidentified.
Security sources noted that the high number of casualties indicates the attack was concentrated, targeting guard posts and operational centers within the struck facilities, where individuals were carrying out specific tasks.
If a landing did occur, the attackers likely used assault rifles, explosives, grenades, and anti-personnel and anti-tank weapons.
According to the same sources, images and videos shared on social media do not clearly show the Scientific Studies and Research Center facilities among the targeted areas. Instead, certain roads leading to the region appear to have been hit.
An electrical station located 10 kilometers north of Masyaf was also targeted.
It’s worth noting that the facilities in question are located in underground tunnels in the Wadi al-Ouyoun area and have been targeted by airstrikes in previous years.
Moreover, the installations of the Scientific Studies and Research Center in Masyaf and Jamraya are reportedly specialized in developing precision missiles, as well as manufacturing drones and chemical weapons.
