Israel strikes Syria’s Aleppo airport for second time in two weeks

Israel allegedly struck an airport in Syria for the second time this year early Wednesday morning. The attack comes as Israel steps up its military planning against Iran. 

The suspected Israeli missiles struck unspecified targets near the airport in Aleppo at 3:55 a.m. local time (8:55 p.m. Tuesday ET), causing material damage. The missiles came from the Mediterranean Sea in the west, Syria’s official news outlet SANA reported. 

At around 5:30 a.m. local time, SANA reported that flights to Aleppo had been rerouted to airports in Damascus and Latakia due to ongoing repairs. 

#BREAKING: VIDEO: Large explosions reported at Aleppo Airport and Nairab Military Airport in Syria. Israel likely conducting strikes. pic.twitter.com/Ydn8dHQ2V6

— Moshe Schwartz (@YWNReporter) March 22, 2023

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strike targeted a weapons storage facility used by pro-Iran fighters near the airport. 

Reuters reported that the strike hit an underground munitions depot connected to the nearby Nairab military airport. The facility stored missile systems delivered by Iranian planes, according to the outlet. 

Background: Syria regularly accuses Israel of carrying out military strikes in its territory, though the Israeli military rarely comments on the matter. The attacks target Iranian and Syrian military targets. The following is a list of suspected Israeli strikes on Syria in 2023 so far: 

• Jan. 2: A strike on the Damascus airport resulted in its closure and the death of two soldiers. 
• Feb. 18: A strike on a state security building in Damascus killed 15.
• March 7: The Aleppo airport was hit by airstrikes and rendered out of service. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the airport reopened on March 10. 
• March 12: A weapons depot was hit in central Syria, killing a Syrian officer and two pro-Iran fighters. 

Why it matters: The strike demonstrates Israel’s continued willingness to engage Iran military near its border. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stepped up Israel’s military planning against Iran's nuclear program since returning to office in December. 

In February, US F-35 fighter jets linked up with their Israeli counterparts for the first time to simulate an attack, Al-Monitor Pentagon correspondent Jared Szuba reported. The exercise took place in the Mediterranean Sea. 

Editor's note: this article was updated to include further information on the strike's target.