Israeli ground forces reportedly conducted a raid on an IRGC weapons facility in Syria earlier this week, marking the first known operation by Israeli troops in the country, according to news reports.
The target of the mission was believed to be an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) site responsible for the development of ballistic missiles and drones, as well as providing logistical support to Iran's terror proxies including Hezbollah, wrote the Times of Israel.
The operation saw a series of Israeli airstrikes that targeted military sites in central Syria late Sunday, leaving at least 14 people dead and 43 others wounded. Fires erupted at several locations, with local Syrian media initially reporting that a scientific research center in Masyaf had been hit, a site long linked to the Syrian regime's manufacture of chemical weapons and precision missiles in collaboration with Iranian forces.
The recent reports suggest that Israeli ground forces were involved for the first time in the operation. According to the opposition-affiliated Syria TV network, Israeli helicopters hovered above Syrian soil as special forces rappelled down ropes to the ground. Violent clashes reportedly ensued, leading to the deaths of several Syrian troops, and the capture of two to four Iranian personnel. On Thursday, IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency denied reports that any Iranians have been captured in Syria.
Channel 12 news cited researcher Eva J. Koulouriotis, who reported via Twitter that Israeli forces not only engaged in combat but successfully entered the facility, seizing critical equipment and documents.
Before retreating, they reportedly planted explosives, ensuring the complete destruction of the plant. Koulouriotis also stated that roads leading to the facility were targeted with airstrikes to prevent Syrian reinforcements from arriving in time.
In addition to the Iranian weapons facility, a Russian communications center was reportedly targeted during the operation. Al Hurra, a US-owned network, echoed the reports, noting the intensity of the strikes and the unusually high death toll.
The Masyaf region, located west of Hama, has long been associated with Iranian forces and pro-Iranian militias, and has been the site of numerous airstrikes attributed to Israel in recent years.
Home to the Scientific Studies and Research Center (CERS or SSRC), it is a facility Western officials believe is used to manufacture chemical weapons, including sarin gas. Syria has consistently denied the accusations.
While the precise details of the raid remain unconfirmed and Israel has yet to comment on the reports, the operation aligns with Israel's ongoing strategy of targeting Iranian military infrastructure in Syria.
Israel has been vocal about its intent to prevent Iran from establishing a permanent military presence in Syria, and strikes on IRGC-linked sites are seen as part of this broader strategy.
The raid also underscores the growing complexity of the conflict in Syria, where multiple actors—including the Syrian regime, Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia—maintain overlapping interests and military assets.