Operation Deep Layer Unveiled: In a daring strike, Israel dismantles Hezbollah’s missile pipeline deep within Syrian territory.
Israel has officially taken responsibility for a September 8 commando raid on an Iranian missile manufacturing site in Syria’s central Hama province, in an operation known internally as “Operation Deep Layer.” This acknowledgment, made on January 1, 2025, sheds light on the extensive reach and precision of Israeli military operations aimed at curtailing Iran’s influence in the region.
The target of the raid was the Scientific Studies and Research Center (CERS), a site long suspected of housing advanced weapons programs. Located in Masyaf, the facility served as a hub for Iran’s efforts to supply Hezbollah with precision missiles capable of striking Israel. Over the years, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) repeatedly targeted Masyaf through airstrikes, but the underground infrastructure remained elusive.
The Raid in Detail
Operation Deep Layer marked a significant escalation in Israel’s campaign against Iranian entrenchment in Syria. Elite commandos from the Israeli Air Force’s Shaldag unit rappelled from helicopters under the cover of darkness, neutralized guards at the facility’s entrance, and infiltrated the underground site. Once inside, the team planted explosives, seized intelligence materials, and withdrew unharmed. Shortly after their extraction, the explosives were detonated remotely, obliterating the missile production facility and its equipment.
The operation took place just 45 kilometers from Syria’s western coastline and more than 200 kilometers north of Israel. To ensure the commandos’ safety and conceal the raid, Israeli aircraft simultaneously struck multiple targets around the facility. These strikes disrupted access roads and masked the helicopter approach, killing at least 14 individuals and injuring 43 others, according to reports.
Strategic Impact
The raid’s timing coincided with a major geopolitical shift in the region. In early December, the Assad regime, a close ally of Iran, collapsed. This development forced Iranian forces and their proxies to withdraw from much of Syria, including the Masyaf site. By dismantling the facility, Israel effectively dismantled a key node in Hezbollah’s missile pipeline.
Israel’s proactive measures underscore its commitment to preventing Iran from establishing a strategic foothold near its borders. For over five years, Israeli intelligence monitored the Masyaf facility, launching airstrikes to degrade its capabilities. However, the underground infrastructure required a ground operation to ensure its complete destruction.
International Coordination
According to Israeli defense officials, the operation was coordinated with the United States. Washington was informed ahead of the raid, and no objections were raised by the White House. The alignment between Israeli and American interests in curbing Iran’s regional ambitions underscores the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The details of the operation initially emerged in the days following the raid, with Middle East researcher Eva J. Koulouriotis citing an unidentified security source. Subsequent reports by Axios and The New York Times, based on information from Western and American officials, corroborated the accounts.
Masyaf’s Role in Regional Tensions
The Masyaf area has long been a focal point of Israel’s campaign against Iranian expansionism. Beyond missile manufacturing, CERS has been linked to chemical weapons development, further heightening its strategic importance. Over the years, the site endured numerous Israeli airstrikes, signaling its priority status in Israel’s defense strategy.
With the fall of the Assad regime and the withdrawal of Iranian forces from Syria, Israel has capitalized on the power vacuum to intensify its efforts against Hezbollah and its backers. Operation Deep Layer represents a high point in these efforts, combining intelligence, precision, and audacity to neutralize a key threat.
A Clear Message
By publicly acknowledging Operation Deep Layer, Israel sends a clear message to Tehran and its proxies: attempts to arm Hezbollah with advanced weaponry will be met with decisive action, regardless of geographic constraints. This operation also reaffirms Israel’s commitment to maintaining its qualitative military edge in the region and safeguarding its citizens from potential missile threats.
As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to simmer, the success of Operation Deep Layer serves as a stark reminder of Israel’s ability to strike deep into hostile territory and disrupt its adversaries’ plans with surgical precision.
Parabéns as forças de Defesa de Israel, o regime maligno iraniano precisa ser desmantelado
Very godt Israel IDF!