Israeli forces are reportedly near Damascus following airstrikes on Syrian military sites, according to Syrian sources

An Israeli military operation has advanced approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) southwest of Damascus, according to Syrian security sources on Tuesday. This follows Israel‘s establishment of a buffer zone in southern Syria and subsequent airstrikes targeting Syrian military installations and airbases overnight.

This military action by Israel comes just two days after a swift coup that ousted President Bashar al-Assad, creating unease among Syrians, neighboring countries, and global powers regarding the future of the region.

A Syrian security official reported that Israeli forces have reached Qatana, located 10 kilometers (six miles) into Syrian territory, east of a demilitarized zone that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria. The Israeli military has refrained from commenting on the situation.

Israel has asserted that it will not engage in the Syrian conflict, characterizing its actions in the buffer zone as defensive. Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have condemned the incursion, with Saudi Arabia warning that it could jeopardize Syria’s prospects for regaining stability.

According to regional security sources and officers from the now-defunct Syrian army, extensive Israeli airstrikes targeted military facilities and airbases throughout Syria overnight, resulting in the destruction of numerous helicopters and jets, as well as assets belonging to the Republican Guard in and around Damascus. Reports indicate that around 200 airstrikes have left the Syrian army’s capabilities severely diminished.

Israel has stated that its airstrikes will continue for several days but has informed the U.N. Security Council that it is not intervening in the ongoing conflict in Syria, describing its actions as “limited and temporary measures” aimed solely at safeguarding its own security.

The United Nations Security Council convened privately late on Monday, with diplomats expressing their astonishment at the rapidity of Assad’s ousting, which transpired over a mere 12 days following a 13-year civil war that had reached a stalemate.

“Everyone was caught off guard, including the council members. We must now observe and assess how the situation unfolds,” stated Russian U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia to reporters after the meeting.

Russia had been instrumental in backing Assad’s regime and assisting in its conflict against the rebels. The Syrian leader fled from Damascus to Moscow on Sunday, marking the end of over 50 years of oppressive rule by his family.

As celebrations continued in Damascus, Assad’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Jalali, announced on Monday his agreement to transfer authority to the rebel-led Salvation Government, which operates from territory controlled by rebels in northwest Syria.

The primary rebel leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, commonly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, held discussions with Jalali and Vice President Faisal Mekdad regarding the formation of a transitional government, according to a source familiar with the talks. Jalali indicated that the transfer of power could take several days to complete.

Al Jazeera reported that the new transitional authority would be led by Mohamed al-Bashir, who has been at the helm of the Salvation Government. The rapid advance of the militia coalition led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously affiliated with al-Qaeda, represents a significant turning point for the Middle East.

The civil war that erupted in 2011 resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands, triggered one of the largest refugee crises in recent history, and left cities in ruins, rural areas deserted, and the economy severely weakened by international sanctions. However, the rebel coalition has yet to outline any plans for Syria’s future, and there is no established framework for such a transition in this divided region.

On Monday, oil prices increased by over 1%, driven in part by concerns that the ongoing instability in Syria, despite it not being a significant oil producer, could escalate regional tensions, according to analysts.

“This is a pivotal moment for the Syrian people,” stated Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Robert Wood in New York. “Our current focus is on observing the developments. Is there a possibility for a governing body in Syria that honors the rights and dignity of its citizens?”

The U.S. is exploring avenues to engage with Syrian rebel factions and is reaching out to regional partners, including Turkey, to initiate informal diplomatic efforts, as reported by Washington.

On Monday, Qatari diplomats held discussions with HTS, as an official informed Reuters, highlighting the urgency among regional nations to establish communication with the group.

There are early indications of a return to stability. Syria’s banks are set to reopen on Tuesday, and the oil ministry has instructed all employees in the sector to report to work, assuring them of safety measures.

Reuters journalists observed four mini-buses arriving at the Central Bank of Syria, where employees disembarked to begin their first day back since the fall of Assad.

“It’s a new shift, it’s a new day, a new year, a new life,” expressed Sumayra al-Mukli.

Golani has committed to the reconstruction of Syria, while HTS has dedicated years to improving its image in order to gain the trust of foreign nations and minority communities within the country. However, concerns about potential reprisals persist. HTS has stated its intention to hold accountable security and military personnel implicated in the torture of the Syrian populace, labeling them as criminals and murderers.

“We will publish a list featuring the names of the highest-ranking officials involved in the torture of the Syrian people,” Golani declared in a statement. “Incentives will be provided for information leading to the identification of senior military and security officers engaged in war crimes.”

HTS is classified as a terrorist organization by numerous countries and the United Nations, raising questions about its legitimacy as a governing body.

“Syrians aspire to create a state characterized by freedom, equality, the rule of law, and democracy. We will collaborate to rebuild our nation, restore what has been lost, and forge a brighter future for Syria,” stated Koussay Aldahhak, Syria’s U.N. Ambassador, during a press briefing.