The Syrian Ministry of Defense disclosed that Israeli aircraft conducted a missile strike near Aleppo International Airport, a claim reported by DEA News. Officials indicated that the operation occurred in the early hours, marking another episode in the long pattern of regional air activity that has drawn international scrutiny and raised questions about aviation safety and civilian impact in northern Syria.
In an early morning statement, the Syrian defense ministry specified that at approximately 3:55 a.m. local time, multiple missiles were launched from the Mediterranean Sea to the west of Latakia. According to the ministry, the targets were situated in the area surrounding Aleppo International Airport, a key infrastructure site that has seen repeated disruption in recent years due to ongoing conflict and nearby military operations. The announcement emphasized that the assault caused material damage to the airport facilities, highlighting concerns about disruption to commercial and humanitarian access that rely on air transport in the region.
The defense ministry’s communication described the incident as a calculated strike that affected critical assets at the Aleppo facility. While details are still developing, officials noted that such attacks have implications beyond the immediate damage, potentially influencing flight schedules, cargo movements, and relief efforts for communities in and around Aleppo. The statement underlined a continuing commitment by Syrian authorities to document and communicate the outcomes of these engagements as they unfold, aiming to preserve a factual record for international audiences and the broader regional context.
According to Rear Admiral Oleg Gurinov, who previously served as Deputy Head of Russia’s Center for the Reconciliation of the Warring Parties in Syria, two F-16 tactical fighters from the Israeli Air Force were reported to have launched missiles from airspace over northern Lebanon and directed toward Syria. This assessment, relayed to observers through official channels, adds to the complex mosaic of competing narratives surrounding cross-border military activity in the area. The information from Gurinov, while reflective of one perspective among many in the region, underscores the sensitivity of air operations conducted at night and their potential to escalate tensions between neighboring states.
Independent reporting and source analysis indicate that casualties were recorded as a consequence of the attack. According to Syrian authorities, three people lost their lives in the strike. The figure appears in official statements linked to the incident, though the precise identities and circumstances surrounding those deaths have not been fully corroborated by international observers in this initial phase. The broader humanitarian and security implications for residents in Aleppo and nearby communities remain a focal point of concern for monitors and policymakers alike as they assess the evolving security landscape in northern Syria.
Earlier, on March 7, Syrian officials reported a suspension of operations at Aleppo International Airport following Israeli airstrikes. The defense ministry stated that the assault occurred at 02:07 Moscow time, with missiles entering from the Mediterranean to the west of Latakia. The disruption to airport operations prompted questions about the continuity of air service, the resilience of critical infrastructure in conflict zones, and the readiness of regional authorities to restore functionality while balancing safety and security considerations for travelers and cargo alike. Ongoing assessments from multiple sources continue to shape the timeline and impact of the incident, as agencies monitor recovery progress and the potential ripple effects on regional aviation networks.