IDF official reported strikes since accidental downing of Russian aircraft in September; Syrian army claims deployment of Russian S-300 has kept Israel from attacking.

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The Syrian army claimed its Russian S-300 missile defense systems has deterred Israel from airstrikes in Syria.

Syrian Army political bureau head Brig. Gen. Hasan Ahmad Hasan stated on the deployment of the S-300 systems to Syria “the aggression achieving his goals has been minimized,” in reference to Israel. Hasan was quoted stating “There is no concept of zero probability in military strategy. We cannot say that this probability has been reduced to zero. Because we are talking about open skies, extended borders, various technologies… there is no concept of zero probability in military strategy.”

In early October, Russia completed its delivery of the S-300 anti-aircraft system to Syria. Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu confirmed the system’s arrival in Syria as well as four launching platforms. Shortly following, a Russian official, Vladimir Mikheyev, addressed the system’s deployment, announcing that Russia would monitor airspace and flight movements from the Middle East and Europe. He stated on the radar protection systems, “[Russia] will know not only that someone has entered the airspace in this region, but also that somewhere a plane is only operating on the runway, be it in Israel or Saudi Arabia or even in Europe,” adding that the “system is capable of combating precision weapons-guided bombs and missiles.”

In September, the IDF confirmed that it carried out over 200 airstrikes on Iranian and terror targets in Syria, firing over 800 missiles and mortar shells in the past year. Israel has been clear that Iran’s entrenchment in Syria is a red line, and that weapons transfers and terror activity and plots against the State of Israel would be prevented.

An IDF official reported last week that the IDF has carried out strikes in Syria since the downing of the Russian surveillance plane in September. While he did not give specifics, he claimed “The IDF has attacked in Syria including after the downing of the Russian plane. Military coordination with the Russians continues as before.”

 

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