Destruction of IRGC Facilities in Syria in Attack Attributed to Israel; At Least 2 Iranians Arrested

Several Israeli media outlets have reported on an attack by Israeli special forces on an Islamic Republic weapons facility in Syria and the arrest of several IRGC members in recent days. The 'Times of Israel' reported on Thursday, September 22, that according to 'unconfirmed reports,' Israeli special forces attacked the Iranian weapons facilities in the 'Masyaf' area of Syria in recent days and arrested several members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The 'Jerusalem Post' also reported that this attack attributed to Israel occurred on the evening of Sunday, September 18, leaving at least 14 dead and 43 injured. According to this report, local Syrian media at the time stated that the attack targeted a scientific research center in Masyaf. The 'Times of Israel' also noted that this center has long been associated with the production of chemical weapons and precision missiles by the Syrian regime and Iranian forces. The report added that there are indications of ground operations by Israeli forces during this operation. The online publication cited a Syrian opposition television network called 'Syria TV,' stating that Israeli helicopters did not land in Syrian territory but that special forces descended using ropes to reach the center. Reports indicate that between two to four Iranians were also arrested during this operation. The 'Times of Israel' pointed out that there was no immediate comment from Israel regarding this attack, which rarely confirms military operations in Syria. Meanwhile, Channel 12 television quoted Middle East expert Ewa Koloryoti, who reported that a 'security source' told her that the Israeli army conducted an operation against IRGC facilities involved in 'developing ballistic missiles and drones' and providing logistical support to Hezbollah Lebanon. However, it is unclear whether both reports refer to the same operation, as the date of the attack in Israeli media reports is Sunday, September 18, while the expert's tweet mentions Thursday, September 15. Ewa Koloryoti wrote on social media that the roads surrounding this center were targeted to prevent Syrian forces from reaching the area before the arrival of Israeli helicopters carrying special forces, supported by drones and combat helicopters. She added that Israeli soldiers, during this one-hour operation, seized equipment and documents after entering the center and then set them on fire with explosives. The Masyaf area, located west of Hama, has been used as a base for Iranian forces and Tehran-backed militants and has been targeted multiple times in attacks attributed to Israel in recent years. Meanwhile, according to the state news agency 'SANA' in Syria, the country's parliament issued a statement accusing Israel of carrying out the attack on Masyaf, claiming that the attack resulted in the deaths of 'dozens and extensive material damage to civilians and destruction of infrastructure in the area and its surroundings.' This comes as Israel has not yet claimed responsibility for the operation in this area.