The IDF has declassified details of a daring operation conducted several months ago — destroying a missile production base deep within Syria! According to the army press release, on 8 September 2024, as part of a special Air Force operation, more than 100 elite fighters from the Sayeret Shaldag unit (the elite airborne reconnaissance unit of the Israeli Air Force) carried out a raid to destroy an underground high-precision missile production facility in the Masyaf area, located deep within Syrian territory.
Years of Intelligence and Precision Planning For years, AMAN (the IDF’s Military Intelligence Directorate) had been gathering and monitoring data, confirming the strategic importance of the target. Months of meticulous planning culminated in a specialised operation utilising Air Force capabilities.
The soldiers landed in the designated area using helicopters, supported by firepower and aerial surveillance conducted by drones, combat aircraft, and naval vessels. The target was an underground facility funded and supported by Iran, representing a flagship project in its efforts to arm its allies on Israel’s northern border. The complex contained advanced production lines for manufacturing high-precision missiles and long-range projectiles, significantly enhancing the supply capabilities of the terrorist organisation Hezbollah and other Iranian allies in the region.
Key Achievements During the operation, the forces reached critical components of missile production, including a planetary mixer (required for manufacturing rocket fuel or composite materials). They also gathered a significant cache of weapons and intelligence documents, which were later handed over for analysis. The complex was destroyed, and all soldiers returned safely to Israel.
The press release concluded with a promise: the IDF will continue to employ various methods and daring operations, relying on the professionalism of its soldiers, to eliminate threats to Israeli citizens.
Commentary on the Operation Below are some personal observations regarding this operation deep in Syria to destroy the Iranian-built missile factory:
1. Overcoming Defences The Sayeret Shaldag fighters faced resistance from thirty guards stationed to protect the strategic site. Reinforcements from Syrian forces were also expected to arrive at the operational zone.
To address this, medical teams and 20 fighters from Unit 669 (an elite search-and-rescue unit specialising in evacuating soldiers and civilians in combat and extreme conditions) accompanied the mission. They ensured the security of the helicopters and their crews and were prepared for emergency evacuations if necessary. Despite the high risks, including the possibility of significant casualties, the operation proceeded as aerial strikes alone had failed to achieve the desired results. Intelligence indicated the factory was on the brink of producing 300 missiles annually—highly accurate, with ranges spanning tens to hundreds of kilometres.
The Air Force commander admitted that after approving the operation, he experienced great anxiety for the welfare of the soldiers involved. Recognising the risk of significant losses, Unit 669 established a field operational room and an intensive care unit deep in Syria, ready to provide rapid treatment to the wounded.
Reinforcements from Syrian forces did arrive, with dozens of soldiers reaching the area during the operation. However, they were forced to retreat in the face of a counterattack. Additional well-organised Syrian forces arrived later, but by then, thanks to Divine providence, all Israeli fighters had left the operational zone.
Miraculous Outcome Despite the immense risk, no Israeli soldiers were killed, wounded, or even scratched, including during clashes with the guards. The success of all 100 Shaldag fighters, who faced armed guards and the potential for dangerous explosives within the factory, is considered a great miracle and clear evidence of Divine assistance.
2. Execution of the Operation There was no alternative to neutralising this enemy site other than deploying forces inside the factory. The Sayeret Shaldag fighters attached 250-kilogram explosive charges to production and technological equipment. They also utilised 700 kilograms of rocket fuel found within the factory. In total, 950 kilograms of explosives were used to destroy the underground facility, considered a top-priority site for Iran and Syria.
The factory was built deep underground, with its lower levels located 120 metres below the surface. Such depth rendered aerial strikes ineffective, necessitating the involvement of elite paratrooper units.
3. A Complex and Dangerous Mission This operation ranks among the most complex and dangerous missions conducted by the IDF deep within enemy territory. Yet, through Divine miracles, it was an overwhelming success with no casualties.
The operation involved seventy aircraft, including: 4 Yasur helicopters to transport the fighters; 2 Apache helicopters for close-range protection; Dozens of fighter jets, drones, tanker planes, and reconnaissance aircraft.
Helicopters were refuelled mid-air during the night — a manoeuvre considered among the most challenging.
4. Lessons on Syrian Aggression The operation underscored the continued threat posed by Syria. Some question why concern over Syria is warranted, given decades of relative quiet on the Golan Heights. However, this perception is dangerously flawed, as demonstrated by events in Gaza and Lebanon, where silence masked the preparation of devastating attacks.
In Syria’s case, past developments include: the construction of a nuclear reactor (destroyed by Israel); production of 1,000 tons of chemical weapons; attempts to develop biological weapons; creation of a massive arsenal of missiles, some of which were neutralised during the Syrian Civil War and recent IDF attacks.
For years, the Syrian military prepared for a surprise, large-scale war against Israel. This included air strikes, commando raids, and chemical weapon use against civilians. However, thanks to Divine miracles, much of this threat has been mitigated.
The successful destruction of the missile factory is a testament to the miracle of Syria’s diminished capabilities.
The published photographs reveal examples of weapons intended for production at the destroyed factory, including high-precision missiles with a range of up to 300 km. This facility was set to become the largest missile production site in the northern region. To ensure its security, Iran built the factory deep underground, protected by air defence and radar systems, including Russian S-400 systems. The IDF identified this site as Syria’s most fortified location outside Damascus.
The IDF carried out preliminary operations to neutralise some defence systems, gather intelligence, and plot unique flight routes through narrow valleys, avoiding detection. Helicopters flew dangerously low over the Mediterranean Sea and Syrian territory, exemplifying the operation’s complexity.
Thanks to the miracle and the soldiers’ exceptional professionalism, the mission succeeded: the factory was destroyed, and all soldiers returned unscathed.
As the Torah states (Deuteronomy 8:18): „And you shall remember the Lord your G-d, for it is He who gives you strength.“
The destruction of this strategic facility marks a significant step in Syria’s decline. The fall of Damascus, referenced in Midrashic texts, is considered a sign of the coming Redemption and the rebuilding of the Temple.