Israel Destroys More Syrian Military Equipment, Tenuous Russian Position In Syria

THE WAR NEWSLETTER — DEC 10 2024

Today’s email brings you news from Israel and Syria.

1 - ISRAEL

1 thing to know

Israel continues to destroy leftover Assad regime military equipment in Syria.

The context 

Israeli forces conducted over 200 raids overnight, hitting military bases, installations, and airbases throughout Syria. Destroyed military equipment include helicopters, jets, and weapons depots and factories. 

Syrian military ships in the port of Latakia were also bombed into oblivion by Israeli forces. Israel’s goal with all of this destruction is to keep dangerous weapons from falling to rebel groups, who would potentially use it against Israel.

More from the region

Israel denied reports that its forces have pushed past the recaptured buffer zone area and moved toward Damascus. Israel stresses that it does not want to become involved in the Syrian conflict and is taking steps only to ensure the safety of its people.

Israeli forces also continue fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip, recently killing 10 terrorists who were responsible for the earlier deaths of three Israeli soldiers.

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TECH SPOTLIGHT: DROID TW 12.7

The Droid TW 12.7 is an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) developed by Ukraine. It’s a tracked combat system armed with a powerful Browning 12.7 mm machine gun, designed to operate in the most challenging battlefield conditions. The Droid TW 12.7 can be remotely operated via tablet.

What it’s used for

The Droid TW 12.7 is specifically designed for drone-on-drone warfare and ground-based combat operations. Ukrainian military units can now deploy this robotic system to perform dangerous missions, reducing risk to actual human soldiers by venturing into dangerous areas.

It was just approved for combat use this December.

2 - SYRIA

1 thing to know

Russia will need to renegotiate its military presence in Syria now that Assad has been defeated.

The context

Russia's position in Syria is uncertain after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime. While Russian military bases like Khmeimim Air Base and Tartus Naval Base remain secure for now, their future is unclear.

Russia is seeking communications with the new Syrian authorities. Whether or not Russia keeps its forces in the region will depend on its negotiations with the new rulers of Syria.

The loss of Tartus would significantly hurt Russia’s ability to project power in the Mediterranean and Africa, but Russia is reportedly considering a full evacuation from Syria.

More from the region

Turkey’s military presence in northern Syria remains strong, especially in Idlib, where it supports rebel factions opposed to both Assad and Kurdish forces.

The US continues to back Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northeast, while also maintaining its Tanf base near the Jordanian border, which is important for countering ISIS.

Iran, which was a backer of Assad, is expected to increase its influence as Russia's position weakens, likely increasing Syrian threats to Israel.

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