Israeli attack on key cargo hub causes significant damage in Syria’s Latakia port

An Israeli airstrike targeted Syria’s Latakia port early on Tuesday, igniting a blaze that illuminated the Mediterranean coastline. This marks the second attack on the strategic cargo hub this month, with Syrian state media reporting significant material damage.

Since the onset of Syria’s civil war in 2011, Israel has frequently conducted airstrikes on Syrian territory, primarily targeting government forces and allied Iran-backed militias, including Hezbollah. However, this is only the second time Israel has struck the Latakia port, located in the heart of President Bashar al-Assad’s Alawite community.

According to the Syrian state news agency Sana, the strike occurred around 3:21 AM (0121 GMT) when several missiles were launched from the Mediterranean Sea, hitting the container yard at the port. The attack resulted in notable damage, although further details on casualties or the extent of the fire were not immediately available.