Israel bombed arms depot at Russian Khmeimim base: Report
What's the story
An Israeli airstrike has reportedly targeted a weapons warehouse at the Russian Khmeimim base near Latakia in Syria, the Mirror reported.
The reports emerged from several conflicting sources.
Notably, Abdullah Almousa stated on his X account that Syrian TV sources alleged the Israeli airstrike was aimed at a warehouse within the Russian base.
The purported reason for this was linked to the arrival of an Iranian cargo plane from Qeshm Fars Airlines.
Rising tensions
Iranian aircraft's arrival sparks Israeli suspicions
Almousa reported that an Iranian aircraft had landed two days earlier, supposedly carrying "humanitarian aid" for Lebanese citizens in Syria.
A day later, a second plane associated with Qeshm Fars Company arrived without an official announcement.
This raised suspicions, particularly from Israel, that it could be transporting weapons.
Russian media were informed of the plane's arrival and provided coverage including video and photos by a Russia Today reporter.
Strategic strike
Israeli airstrike targets warehouse, spares runways
Syrian TV sources reported that the Israeli airstrike targeted a warehouse at the Russian Hmeimim base and hit various military spots in Latakia province.
The attack was launched approximately one hour after an Iranian Qassem Fars Airlines plane touched down.
The strike selectively avoided the runways and towers at the Latakia airfield.
Israel launched 30 missiles at 3:55am from naval warships, which triggered efforts to extinguish the resulting fire.
Post-attack developments
Syrian air defenses engage targets, Russian patrol observed
Following the Israeli bombardment, a Russian air patrol was observed over Latakia skies.
The Times of Israel conveyed a cautious note on the incident, employing terms like "allegedly" rather than confirming the strike directly.
The paper mentioned that a weapons depot near the coastal city of Latakia was purportedly hit during nighttime.
Pro-government Sham FM radio reports cited that Syrian air defenses engaged 'targets' over the sea in this area.
Diplomatic talks
US and Israel discuss potential military response
Around the same time or earlier, Russian media outlet Interfax shared that the US and Israel are currently in active discussions regarding a potential military response targeting Iranian sites in Syria and Yemen.
This follows Iranian aggression on Israeli territory.
These details were highlighted by Politico, referencing sources within the US administration.
According to officials, possible actions being considered are strikes against Iran-backed militias or directly targeting Iran's Revolutionary Guard forces in Yemen or Syria.