(VOVworld) – Israel launched 2 air strikes on Syria between May 3^rd and 5th, raising concerns that this may further complicate the civil war in Syria and ignite a regional conflict. VOV’s Hong Van reports.

Israel’s latest attack on May 5^th targeted the Jamraya military research center northeast of Damascus, which Israeli aircraft hit 4 months ago. An Israeli official said the air strikes were aimed at weapons the Syrian government intended to transfer to Hezbollah in Lebanon, which opposes Israel. The weapons Israel referred to are Fateh-110 missiles, which are believed to be produced by Iran and provided to Hezbollah. The missiles are capable of reaching Israel’s center.

Damage is seen in what appears to be a chicken farm following an air strike near Damascus May 5, 2013, in this handout photograph distributed by Syria's national news agency SANA. Credit: Reuters/SANA/Handout via Reuters

Following the air strikes, Syria announced that it will supply new quality weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Syrian government described Israel’s attacks on its territory as a serious violation of international law, endangering the Middle East region. In an emergency meeting, Syria’s cabinet said the possibility of retaliation remains open. Syria’s Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al Mekdad said Israel’s attacks were a declaration of war with Damascus. Syria has complained to the United Nations about this incident.        

Israel’s action was strongly opposed by the international community. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon expressed his deep concern about Israel’s air strikes against Syria and called for respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the region and for abiding by UN Security Council resolutions. The Arab League asked the UN Security Council to take immediate steps to end Israel’s attacks on Syria, describing them as a dangerous violation of an Arab country’s sovereignty. China and Russia also released statements opposing the use of force stressing that any country's sovereignty should be respected. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office warned that Israel’s attacks could possibly spread Syria’s violence throughout the region. Some Western observers say that with these air strikes, Israel is escalating tensions.

Israel’s air strikes in Syria over the past few days were not aimed only at keeping weapons out of the hands of Hezbollah, an Israeli official admitted. Following the strikes, insurgents attacked the Jamraya military research center and some bases of the capital defense forces. Syria condemned Israel’s attacks against targets in Damascus, which have inspired the insurgents, saying Israel wants to spark a Syrian military reaction in order to start a war and create a reasonable excuse. This intention coincides with the opposition forces’ wish for foreign intervention into Syria’s civil war.

The 2-year-old civil war in Syria has killed more than 70,000 people and forced 1.2 million to leave their homes.

Hong Van