Arrow of Bashan: IDF and U.S. Forces Strike Decisive Blows in Syria

This week, the Middle East witnessed unprecedented military action as both Israeli and U.S. forces conducted targeted campaigns in Syria to neutralize key threats. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the success of Operation Arrow of Bashan, a massive air campaign that dismantled most of Syria’s strategic weapons arsenal. Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted dozens of precision airstrikes to eliminate ISIS camps and operatives in central Syria.

The IDF operation, spanning over 350 airstrikes, targeted anti-aircraft systems, missile launchers, and naval assets across key locations, including Damascus, Latakia, and Tartus. The scale of the strikes has drawn comparisons to Israel’s actions during the Six-Day War. Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed Israel’s resolve, stating:
“The IDF has acted in recent days to attack and destroy strategic capabilities that threaten the State of Israel. Whoever follows in Assad's footsteps will end up like Assad did.”

On the same day, CENTCOM executed airstrikes on over 75 ISIS targets using B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s. These strikes are part of an ongoing mission to degrade ISIS’s operational capacity and prevent the group from exploiting the shifting dynamics in Syria. CENTCOM Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla emphasized, “There should be no doubt—we will not allow ISIS to reconstitute and take advantage of the current situation in Syria.”

The combined efforts of Israel and the U.S. highlight a coordinated push to dismantle threats in the region. As Syrian President Bashar Assad fled Damascus, ending his family’s five-decade rule, these military campaigns send a clear message: extremist entities will not be allowed to gain ground.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced this stance, warning Syria’s new regime against aligning with Iran or Hezbollah. “If this regime allows Iran to regain its foothold in Syria...we will respond forcefully,” he said.

As both Israel and the U.S. demonstrate their commitment to regional security, the message is clear: actions to destabilize the Middle East will be met with decisive consequences.