Israeli Missile Boat Commander Details Attack on Syria’s Navy
Israel's Naval Strike on Syria's Fleet
In a significant military operation, the Israeli Navy recently targeted Syria’s naval capabilities. This action came amid the collapse of the Syrian government and military, which had been under pressure from rebel forces. The commander of the Israeli Navy missile boat involved in this operation has shared insights into the planning and execution of the mission. The operation aimed to prevent the remnants of the Syrian military from falling into the hands of terrorist groups, particularly the militant organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Operation Overview: A Strategic Move
On December 9-10, Israeli forces launched a coordinated strike against Syrian naval vessels located at Latakia and Tartus. This operation resulted in the destruction of the majority of Syria’s surface combatants. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the objective was to target Syrian military assets both afloat and ashore. The urgency of this mission stemmed from the rapid deterioration of the Syrian government, which had been under siege from rebel forces. Following a significant assault, President Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, leaving a power vacuum in the country.
In the aftermath of this upheaval, HTS emerged as a dominant force in Syria. Although HTS has distanced itself from its past connections to Al-Qaeda, it remains a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. This situation posed a potential threat to Israel, prompting swift action to neutralize remaining military assets of the Assad regime. Israeli forces conducted hundreds of airstrikes over a short period, targeting everything from aircraft to munitions depots and suspected chemical weapons facilities. The small Syrian navy, primarily consisting of Soviet-built Osa II class missile boats, was also on Israel’s radar for elimination.
Execution of the Mission: INS Herev’s Role
The Israeli Navy dispatched the INS Herev, a Sa’ar 4.5-class missile boat, to execute the mission. This vessel is equipped to carry up to eight Harpoon anti-ship missiles. Remarkably, even the crew was unaware of the specific details of their mission until they were already en route. Lt. Col. Tomer, the commanding officer, revealed that the crew was astonished to learn they were tasked with destroying the Syrian Navy’s missile boat fleet. “We couldn’t believe for a moment that this [operation] would happen during our watch,” he stated.
Upon reaching Syrian waters, the operation faced a brief delay. The Herev was redirected to provide fire support for the Israeli Air Force, targeting hostile anti-aircraft systems onshore. This action was crucial for ensuring the safety of Israeli strike fighters. Once the air support was completed, the Herev returned to the Syrian coast to launch missile strikes on the Syrian naval vessels in port at Latakia. The operation was successful, with the Israeli forces confirming the sinking of several vessels, effectively rendering them out of service.
