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| January 2013 Rif Dimashq airstrike | |
|---|---|
| Part of Hezbollah involvement in the Syrian civil war, and the Iran–Israel conflict during the Syrian civil war | |
.svg) Rif Dimashq Governorate in Syria (red) | |
| Objective | Destroy a weapons convoy carrying Soviet/Russian-made SA-17 anti-aircraft missiles to Hezbollah |
| Date | 31 January 2013 |
| Executed by |  Israeli Air Force (alleged) |
| Destruction of anti-aircraft missiles destined for Hezbollah and collateral damage to nearby research center on biological and chemical weapons[1] | |
| Casualties | 2 people killed (official Syrian report)[2] |
The January 2013 Rif Dimashq airstrike was an aerial attack in the Rif Dimashq Governorate of Syria, which targeted a convoy alleged to be carrying weapons from Syria to the Lebanese Shi'a militia Hezbollah.[3] The convoy was attacked on 31 January 2013. According to several media sources, Israeli forces allegedly conducted the strike; however, Israel has not officially responded to the allegations.[2]
The convoy was attacked while parked at a facility of the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center, Syria's main research center on biological and chemical weapons, at Jamraya, several miles northwest of the Syrian capital of Damascus. In addition to Russian-made SA-17 anti-aircraft missiles, secondary explosions from the attacked munitions also damaged a building of the Scientific Studies and Research Center.[1][4][5][6] Satellite images taken a few days after the attack showed a scorched and blackened parking lot at the center, where the arms convoy was apparently hit.[7]
Israel did not officially confirm responsibility for the bombing, but Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak suggested that it could have been behind the attack, saying on 3 February, "I cannot add anything to what you've read in the newspapers about what happened in Syria several days ago, but I keep telling, frankly, that we've said – and that's another proof that when we say something we mean it – we say that we don't think that it should be allowable to bring advanced weapon systems into Lebanon."[8]
- ^ a b Ernesto Londoño and Joby Warrick, Israeli airstrike in Syria targeted a shipment of weapons, 2 U.S. officials say. Washington Post. 4 February 2013.
- ^ a b "Syria says Israeli airstrike destroyed military facility". Los Angeles Times. 30 January 2013.
- ^ "Israel strikes Syrian weapons en route to Hezbollah". The Jerusalem Post. 30 January 2013.
- ^ Assad fumes as Israel admits Syria air strike. The Express Tribune. 4 February 2013.
- ^ Israeli raid in Syria reportedly damaged research site. The Times of Israel. 4 February 2013.
- ^ Sanger, David E.; Schmitt, Eric; Rudoren, Jodi (3 February 2013). "Israeli strike into Syria said to damage research site". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 May 2013.
- ^ Image indicates Syria building unscathed by Israel strike. Reuters. 6 February 2013
- ^ "Israeli defense minister suggests role in Syria airstrike". CNN. 4 February 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013.