The Israeli army does not comment on media reports on the actions of the air defense of Syria because of the Russian plane
Archival photo. Photo: Mohammed Salem / Reuters
The Israeli army declined to comment on the inaction of the Syrian air defense during the Israeli airstrike due to the presence of a Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft in the airspace. RIA Novosti reports.
The Syrian air defense forces did not strike at the Israeli F-16 fighters because of the danger of hitting the air board of the Russian Aerospace Forces, which was landing at the Khmeimim airfield in the vicinity of Latakia. This was announced by Rear Admiral Oleg Zhuravlev, Deputy Head of the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of Warring Parties in Syria.
The Israel Defense Forces declined to comment on reports of Syrian air defense inaction. “We do not comment on foreign media reports,” the press service said.
On December 28, two Israeli Air Force F-16 tactical fighters fired four guided missiles at the port of Latakia from the Mediterranean. As a result of the hit, a fire broke out. This led to greater material damage, Syria said.
The Russian base Khmeimim, located near Latakia, has existed in Syria since 2015. It is located about 30 kilometers from the Syrian-Turkish border. Khmeimim is the main staging post for the military operation in support of the Syrian government forces in the war against the Islamic State terrorist organization (banned in Russia).