Last week, Israel launched a daring and secret mission that targeted a hidden missile production facility in northwest Syria. What at first appeared to be a simple airstrike turned out to be much more: Israeli special forces were involved in a ground raid, flown in by helicopter to destroy the site and retrieve important documents and equipment. This highly complex mission not only struck a blow to the heart of Iran’s military operations in Syria but also sent a clear message to Tehran: Israel is capable of attacking even the most secure underground facilities, which airstrikes alone cannot reach.
On September 9, Israeli forces “obliterated” the missile facility located near the Lebanese border, according to reports. The site, located about 140 miles from Israel, is known for its deep ties to Iran and Hezbollah, a powerful militia group backed by Tehran. The operation was so secretive and difficult that ground troops were needed to physically access the facility, with no Israeli soldiers hurt during the mission.
The attack wasn’t just from the air—it involved airstrikes as well as a ground raid. The ground assault was necessary to recover sensitive information and destroy the underground parts of the facility. According to officials, the site was linked to the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC), which sounds like a regular research center, but in reality, it develops advanced weapons like missiles, chemical, biological, and possibly nuclear weapons.
The special operation was carried out by Israel’s elite Shaldag unit, a highly trained group known for risky missions. The team managed to surprise Syrian guards, killing several of them and planting explosives inside the underground facility to destroy key equipment, including advanced machinery used to make precision missiles for Hezbollah.
This facility at Masyaf has been attacked multiple times since 2017 by Israeli airstrikes. However, after losing most of their above-ground infrastructure to these strikes, Iran and Hezbollah began building an underground factory in 2018, deep inside a mountain. They believed this would make it safe from airstrikes. Israel discovered the new underground facility years ago and had been watching it closely. They realized the only way to destroy it would be a ground operation.
The mission was extremely risky, and Israel had considered it at least twice before but decided the risks were too high. But this time, Israel decided to act, proving they are willing to send troops on the ground for highly dangerous missions if that’s what it takes to neutralize threats from Iran and Hezbollah.
This operation shows that Israel has the capability to reach deeply buried, heavily fortified sites, such as Iran’s nuclear facilities, which it cannot destroy from the air alone. While this mission took place in Syria, it gives a glimpse of what Israel might do if it ever decides to target Iran’s most protected military sites.
At first, news about the attack was reported as just another airstrike. But later, new details revealed the ground raid and special operations component. The helicopters used in the mission were even recorded by local residents without them realizing what they had captured. The mission lasted about an hour and caused massive explosions that were heard across western and central Syria.
Official Syrian reports stated that the raid killed 18 people and injured 37 more. The attack also caused significant damage to the local infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and water systems.
This bold move by Israel comes at a time of increased tensions with Hezbollah and Iran. Both have been involved in clashes with Israel, and the situation remains tense along the border with Lebanon. While Israel scored a major victory with this mission, it’s unclear how much damage was truly done to Iran’s operations or if there will be any retaliation from Hezbollah or Iran. However, the message was clear: Israel is willing to go to great lengths to neutralize threats, no matter how secure the target may seem.
