Syria’s transport ministry said on Tuesday it would re-route flights carrying earthquake aid following an overnight aerial attack that put Aleppo International Airport out of commission.
This follows reports from Syrian media that there were a series of explosions in the north. It is currently believed that the explosions are an attack on Iranian militia targets at an airport in Aleppo.
It said flights would now land in either Damascus or Latakia airports. Dozens of planes carrying aid from the Middle East, Europe and further afield have landed in Syria following the devastating February 6 earthquakes.
Syrian state media said Israel carried out the attack on the northern airport. The Israeli military declined to comment.
Syrian air defenses intercepted missiles launched from the Mediterranean Sea, west of the coastal city of Latakia, at 2:07 a.m. local time, SANA added.
Some Syrian sources are claiming that the attack on Aleppo’s airport was done by Israel.
هجوم إسرائيلي يستهدف مواقع ميليشيات إيران في محيط مطار حلب وأصوات الانفجارات تهز المنطقة#أورينت pic.twitter.com/IBvEbrbjaF
— Orient أورينت (@OrientNews) March 6, 2023
The Syrian news channel that originally reported Israeli involvement has now added that a runway at the airport was shut down and that no injuries have been reported.
The moment an Israeli missile struck Aleppo Intl Airport. According to the source, up to 4+ explosions were heard. pic.twitter.com/5of3M8Ibff
— Dimasq (@DimasqN) March 6, 2023
Striking the trojan horse
Israeli officials recently stated they would strike Syria if Iran tried to use international aid as a Trojan horse for weapons.
Israel will not hesitate to strike any weapons Iran sends to Syria under the guise of humanitarian aid, amid rescue efforts after the devastating earthquake in the country, an unnamed Israeli military official told the Saudi Elaph newspaper back in February.
The last alleged Israeli airstrike to target Syria was reported in late January after a convoy of trucks crossing from Iraq was hit by airstrikes. The convoy was reportedly carrying weapons hidden amid food and other products, according to the Elaph report.