The Syrian air defense forces did not open fire on Israeli F-16 fighters, which launched a missile attack on a port in Latakia, because a Russian military aircraft was landing at the Khmeimim airfield. This was announced on Tuesday, December 28, by the deputy head of the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of Warring Parties in Syria (CPVS) Rear Admiral Oleg Zhuravlev.
“From 04.21 to 04.26, two F-16 tactical fighters of the Israeli Air Force from the Mediterranean Sea, without crossing the border, struck with four guided missiles at targets in the port of Latakia. As a result of the Israeli strike, minor material damage to the port infrastructure was inflicted, ”he said.
The deputy head of the CPVS also added that the Syrian air defense forces did not engage in combat, since at the moment of the strike there was a Russian military transport aircraft that was landing at the Khmeimim airfield.
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.
At the same time, the press service of the Israel Defense Forces declined to comment on reports of Israeli missile strikes in the area of the Syrian seaport.
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.
