In a daring and highly secretive operation, an elite Israeli army unit successfully destroyed an underground precision missile factory in Syria believed to be built by Iran and Hezbollah. The Israeli government has remained tight-lipped about the mission to prevent retaliation from Syria, Iran, or Hezbollah.
The airstrike on the factory in Masyaf, near the Lebanese border, was disguised as a cover for the ground operation. The Israelis used explosives to demolish the facility and prevent Syrian military reinforcements from reaching the area.
The Iranians, in collaboration with Hezbollah and Syria, established the underground factory in 2018 to evade Israeli airstrikes. Codenamed “Deep Layer,” Israeli intelligence agencies had been monitoring the construction for over five years before deciding on a ground operation due to the facility’s impenetrability.
The precision missiles produced at the facility were intended for quick delivery to Hezbollah in Lebanon. The successful raid dealt a significant blow to Iran and Hezbollah’s missile production efforts in Syria.
This secretive and strategic operation underscores Israel’s commitment to countering threats from its neighbors and protecting its national security interests.