Israel claims to have destroyed Syria's navy in airstrikes and ground operation

Israel conducted airstrikes on Syria, claiming to have destroyed its navy. This marks Israel's first ground operation in Syria in 50 years, following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. Israel describes its actions as defensive. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the military targeted strategic capabilities threatening Israel. The strikes occurred in the port city of Latakia, where ships were reportedly sunk. Israel aims to prevent chemical weapons from reaching extremists. Israeli forces have advanced into a buffer zone in southern Syria. Katz warned Syrian rebels against following Assad's path, emphasizing the need for a "sterile defense zone" to counter terrorism.