Israeli Navy’s Bold Operation Against Syrian Fleet

In a significant military operation, the Israeli Navy successfully targeted and destroyed a large portion of Syria’s naval fleet. This operation took place during a critical time in Syria’s ongoing conflict, marked by the collapse of the Assad regime. The commander of the Israeli missile boat involved in this operation has shared insights into the planning and execution of this mission, shedding light on the secrecy and urgency that characterized it.

Operation Overview: A Strategic Strike

On December 9-10, Israeli forces launched a decisive strike against Syrian Navy vessels located in Latakia and Tartus. This operation aimed to dismantle the remnants of Syria’s naval capabilities, which included a fleet primarily composed of Soviet-built Osa II class missile boats. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the operation was necessary to prevent these assets from falling into the hands of terrorist groups. The urgency of the mission was underscored by the rapid deterioration of the Syrian government and military, which faced a significant rebel assault in early December.

As the Assad regime crumbled, the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) emerged as a dominant force in the region. Although HTS has distanced itself from its past ties to Al-Qaeda, it remains a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. This shift in power dynamics prompted Israel to act swiftly. The Israeli military aimed to eliminate any potential threats from the remnants of the Syrian armed forces, which included not only naval assets but also air force capabilities and suspected chemical weapons facilities. Over the course of a few days, Israel conducted hundreds of airstrikes, effectively neutralizing the Syrian military’s operational capacity.

Inside the Mission: Secrecy and Execution

The operation was executed by the INS Herev, a Sa’ar 4.5-class missile boat equipped with Harpoon anti-ship missiles. The crew was kept in the dark about the mission until they were already underway. Lt. Col. Tomer, the commanding officer, recounted the moment he revealed the mission’s objective to his crew. “I told them that the ship was now sailing deep into Syrian waters, and the mission was to destroy the missile boat fleet of the Syrian Navy,” he stated. The crew was astonished that such a bold operation would occur during their deployment.

After a swift transit to the operational area, the mission faced a slight delay. The INS Herev was tasked with providing fire support for the Israeli Air Force, targeting hostile anti-aircraft systems onshore. This strategic move was crucial for ensuring the safety of Israeli strike fighters. Once the air support was secured, the Herev repositioned closer to the Syrian coast. The crew then launched missile strikes against the Syrian naval vessels docked in Latakia. Lt. Col. Tomer confirmed the success of the operation, stating, “They sank and were rendered out of service.” In total, Israeli forces destroyed 15 Syrian naval vessels during this operation, marking a significant blow to Syria’s maritime capabilities.