The Syrian military air defense did not respond with fire on Israeli F-16 fighters, which launched a missile attack on the port territory in Latakia, because of the Russian military aircraft. At that moment, the device landed at the Khmeimim airfield, said the deputy head of the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of Warring Parties in Syria (CPVS) Rear Admiral Oleg Zhuravlev on December 28.
“From 04:21 to 04:26, two Israeli Air Force F-16 tactical fighters from the Mediterranean Sea, without crossing the border, struck with four guided missiles at targets in the port of Latakia,” he said.
Zhuravlev clarified that the port infrastructure received insignificant material damage, there were no casualties or casualties among the military personnel. The air defense forces of Syria did not engage in anti-aircraft combat due to the aircraft of the military transport aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces that was in the zone of destruction of anti-aircraft systems.
On December 28, Syrian air defenses repelled an Israeli strike on the trading port of Latakia. An Israeli attack hit the port’s container yard, causing a fire. The Israel Defense Forces spokesman declined to comment on reports of Israeli missile strikes in the Syrian seaport area.
On December 22, Israel’s use of civilian aircraft to cover up aggression in Syria was called a violation of international rules. This is stated in a joint statement by Russia, Iran and Turkey following the results of the 17th international meeting on Syria in the Astana format. In particular, the parties called on Israel to end the ongoing military attacks in Syria.