Russian Air Defenses Fire On Israeli Planes In Syria
By Donald Standeford, Correspondent - Follow -
Date Published: May 17, 2022 07:30PM UTC
Last Modified: May 17, 2022 07:30PM UTC
SYRIA - Syria, Channel 13 news has reported that Russia , for the first time fired on Israeli aircraft in Syria using S-300 anti-aircraft missiles last week citing 'foreign publications'.
The Russian air defenses were reportedly responding to waves of attacks by Israeli planes allegedly targeting parts of northwestern Syria near the city of Masyaf last Friday night, signaling a shift in Moscow's willingness to fire on Israeli aircraft.
At least five people were killed and seven hurt during the airstrike Friday, according to the Syrian state news agency, while other media had reported that six were killed. All killed were reportedly crew members of the Pantsir air defense system that had been trying to shoot down the Israeli missiles.
While the Syrian military had fired dozens of anti-aircraft missiles as per usual, this time around the Syrian S-300 batteries also fired as the Israeli aircraft were departing. The Syrian S-300 batteries are reportedly not allowed to be fired without approval from the Russian military.
The radar for the Russian S-300 system was unable to lock onto the Israeli aircraft however and did not reportedly pose a danger to the Israeli fighter jets.
Israel does not usually confirm or deny such operations and there has been no confirmation that the raid actually happened, or that the S-300 system launched missiles at its aircraft.
Israel has carried out numerous airstrikes in the region targeting Iranian and pro-Iranian militias and assets
On Monday Israel Defense Minister Benny Gantz vowed that Israel will continue to act against enemies who threaten it, without specifically mentioning the incident.
"The State of Israel will continue to act against any enemy that threatens it, and prevent the transfer of advanced capabilities from Iran that endanger the citizens of Israel and harm the stability of the entire region" Gantz said.
Russia controls airspace in Syria which shares a border with northern Israel and although Israel coordinates its attacks with Russia normally tensions between Russia and Israel have been escalating over the war in Ukraine.
An Israeli Knesset member had called the war in Ukraine 'a slap in the face for our grandparents who fought the Nazis'.
