Israeli warplanes have unleashed a barrage of airstrikes on Syrian territory, with explosions rocking the capital, Damascus. Among the targets, a suspected chemical weapons research centre has drawn global attention.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reports over 100 strikes on military installations, marking a sharp escalation in the region. Recent targets include a site tied to missile development, allegedly involving Iranian scientists.
Israel insists these attacks are necessary to stop advanced weapons from reaching extremists, framing the operations as vital for regional security.
UN steps in
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session, calling for Syria’s territorial unity and prioritising civilian safety. They also pressed for humanitarian aid to reach conflict-hit areas.
The strikes follow warnings from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), demanding Syria secure its suspected chemical stockpiles.
The chemical weapons shadow
Syria, under international scrutiny since joining the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013, faces questions about undisclosed arsenals. Despite pledges, the scale and location of these weapons remain unclear.
For now, Israel’s airstrikes seem to be delivering a loud message: the region won’t tolerate further risks of weapons of mass destruction.
