Mohammed al-Bashir has been inaugurated as the interim Prime Minister of Syria, leading a temporary salvation government until March 1, 2025.
Israel has announced the destruction of the Syrian navy and multiple missile stockpiles to prevent them from falling into the hands of terrorist groups.
The Israeli Navy conducted attacks on the ports of Latakia and al-Bayda, targeting 15 Syrian vessels docked there.
On Tuesday, Mohammed al-Bashir was sworn in as the interim Prime Minister of Syria, heading the salvation government until March 1, 2025.
Al-Bashir, aligned with the main rebel faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), declared, “Today we conducted a cabinet meeting with a team from the salvation government operating in Idlib and the surrounding areas, along with representatives from the former regime.”
HTS remains classified as a terrorist organization by the United States.
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Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called on the new Syrian government to, “maintain firm commitments to fully uphold the rights of minorities, facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid to all in need, prevent Syria from becoming a hub for terrorism, or posing a threat to its neighboring countries.”
One of those neighboring countries is Israel, which is determined to prevent any entity in Syria from possessing the capability to endanger its security.
The IDF revealed that each of the targeted ships was equipped with sea-to-sea missiles that posed a threat to both civilian and military vessels in the region.
The Israeli air force also carried out airstrikes on 350 targets, including anti-aircraft installations, Syrian air force bases, and facilities involved in weapons production in Damascus, Homs, Tartus, Latakia, and Palmyra.
‘Neutralized’
The IDF claimed to have “neutralized” a variety of weapons including Scud missiles, cruise missiles, fighter jets, drones, and attack helicopters.
Israeli forces have also established a buffer zone, encompassing the strategically vital Mount Hermon, between the Golan Heights and Syrian territory.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed satisfaction at the downfall of Bashar al-Assad but reiterated his country’s focus on its own security.
The primary rebel faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), originated as an affiliate of al-Qaeda. Its leader, Abu Mohammed al-Golani, adopted a pseudonym associated with the Golan Heights.
The Golan Heights were under Syrian control until 1967 when Israel seized them during the Six-Day War.
Israel has since maintained control over the territory and formally annexed the 460 square-mile region in 1981.
In 2000, Israel and Syria engaged in discussions regarding a potential peace agreement that would involve the return of the Golan Heights to Syria, but the negotiations ultimately collapsed.
An Israeli soldier stands guard at a security fence gate near the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from Syria, on Dec. 10, 2024. Matias Delacroix/AP
Since the conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah commenced on October 7, 2023, northern Israel has been under regular missile and drone attacks launched from southern Lebanon, prompting Netanyahu’s concerns about the potential rise of an anti-Israeli militant group in Damascus.
According to Planet Labs, the fleet left Tartous between December 6 and December 9.
Assad has found refuge in Moscow under President Vladimir Putin’s protection, who may be awaiting an opportune moment to engage the new Syrian leadership in negotiations to retain the strategically crucial naval base at Tartous and an airbase in Latakia.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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