Israeli warplanes target weapons depots in Syria: Local media

JERUSALEM

Israeli warplanes struck weapons depots in southern Syria and the capital Damascus to prevent anti-regime groups from seizing them, Israeli media said on Sunday.

"We attacked ammunition depots in southern Syria and in the Damascus airport area for fears they might fall into the hands of armed groups and local factions," the Israeli public broadcaster KAN said, citing an unnamed Israeli security official.

"Israel is working to thwart any potential threats and prevent any damage to its air superiority in Syria," the official added.

Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth said that weapons depots and surface-to-surface missile stockpiles were the targets of Israeli strikes in Syria, without providing further details.

Israel has frequently targeted weapons shipments and military installations in Syria throughout the country’s civil war, citing concerns over the possible transfer of advanced weaponry to hostile groups, including Hezbollah and Iran-backed militias.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled Syria to an unknown location after anti-regime groups took control of the capital Damascus early Sunday, marking the collapse of the Baath Party regime, which had been in power in Syria since 1963.

It came almost a week after anti-regime groups seized control of Aleppo, a major city in northern Syria.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi

JERUSALEM

Israeli warplanes struck weapons depots in southern Syria and the capital Damascus to prevent anti-regime groups from seizing them, Israeli media said on Sunday.

"Israel is working to thwart any potential threats and prevent any damage to its air superiority in Syria," the official added.

Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth said that weapons depots and surface-to-surface missile stockpiles were the targets of Israeli strikes in Syria, without providing further details.

It came almost a week after anti-regime groups seized control of Aleppo, a major city in northern Syria.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi