Israeli air strikes cripple Syrian military, destroy MiG‑29 fleet
Israeli air forces have already attacked over 250 military targets located in Syria. Significant destruction was recorded at the air base situated in the Suwayda province, where nearly the entire fleet of MiG-29 fighters belonging to the Syrian Air Force was stationed.
According to Israeli media, "one of the largest storm operations in the history of the Israeli Air Force" was conducted. The Times of Israel reports that the Israel Defence Forces attacked dozens of targets in Syria to prevent the local armed forces' weapons from falling into the hands of terrorist groups after the fall of Assad's regime.
Israel destroys weapons left by the Syrian army
Media reports indicate that Israeli air forces bombed locations where chemical weapons and long-range weapons were likely stored. Weapons production facilities and air bases housing helicopters and aircraft belonging to the Syrian army were also attacked.
Social media reports suggest very significant destruction occurred at the air base located in the Suwayda province, where about 30 MiG-29 aircraft were destroyed.
Syrian MiG-29 destroyed
This was nearly the entire fleet of such units the Syrian army had. The MiG-29 fighters were among the most valuable aircraft in Assad's regime's possession, especially since some of them were upgraded to the MiG-29SM variant, which allows for the use of more advanced guided weaponry, including select air-to-ground missiles and KAB-500Kr bombs.
The MiG-29 fighters came to Syria from Russia, where they have been produced since 1983 by the MiG design bureau. These are frontline fighters powered by two Klimov RD-33 engines capable of flying at a maximum speed of approximately 2,414 km/h (about 1,500 mph) and operating at an altitude of up to about 17,500 metres (around 57,400 feet). Their primary weapon is a GSh-30-1 30mm aircraft cannon, and additional missiles or bombs are carried on several (six or nine, depending on the version of the fighter) suspended pylons.
