IDF Continues Operations Against Syrian Military Amid Political Shifts

In a surprising announcement on Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed that it is still engaged in military operations against Syrian military infrastructure, expanding beyond its initial strategy of holding buffer zones seized in early December following the fall of the Assad regime.

The IDF's December assault targeted Syria’s chemical weapons, air force, long-range missiles, navy, and other military assets to prevent them from falling into the hands of the incoming Syrian regime, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julani. However, since then, the IDF had largely remained quiet, focusing on defending the newly established buffer zones. Thursday’s statement marks a shift in the IDF's operations.

A Tense Transition in Syria’s Power Dynamics

In the wake of the Assad regime's collapse, various global actors, including the UN, the EU, and the US, have begun to engage with Julani and his faction, with some even proposing the lifting of sanctions on Syria to promote reconstruction. Western powers hope to integrate Syria more fully into their sphere of influence, with some European officials pushing for the removal of economic sanctions to facilitate this transition.

While the US has taken a more cautious stance—removing some sanctions on Julani and his allies, while maintaining others—there is still suspicion surrounding the new regime's commitment to democratic reforms. Julani and his faction, who had past ties to al-Qaeda, have claimed to distance themselves from jihadist ideologies, but skepticism remains, especially regarding whether they will ultimately uphold these claims or revert to their radical roots.

The IDF's recent operations focus on safeguarding its territorial integrity by continuing patrols and confiscating weapons found in buffer zone areas. The IDF reported that Division 474 recently uncovered an armored Syrian vehicle filled with significant weapons, including anti-tank missiles, improvised explosives, and other dangerous materials. These weapons were confiscated to prevent them from falling into the hands of potentially hostile actors, such as HTS, Hezbollah, Iranian militias, or Palestinian terror groups.

While the IDF has not indicated plans for large-scale military strikes similar to those in December, it remains vigilant, ensuring that weapons and military resources do not contribute to instability in the region.