Russian S-300 systems in Syria attacked for the first time
Forces in opposition to Bashar al-Assad’s regime have attacked the S-300 “Favorite” anti-air missile systems, Al Masdar News reports. The attack was made using Grad missiles on 21 July. The S-300s are located near the city of Masyaf in the Hama province.
Spokespersons for the Syrian army said that the attack had been repelled using anti-air defense systems located in the Tartus province. The S-300s themselves were unaffected.
Experts observe that this is the first missile strike that specifically targeted the S-300 systems that have been delivered to Bashar al-Assad.
Previously it was reported that three S-300 systems had been stationed in the Masyaf region, where the Iranians and members of Hezbollah have a research institute where they are working on improved missile technology.
In April this year, the region was hit by an Israeli missile strike.
The Israeli satellite imagery company ImageSat Intl. said that one of the facilities targeted in the attack was a missile upgrade factory.
The analysts believe that this was a factory to improve Iranian surface-to-surface missiles and increase their precision. ImageSat published “before and after” photos of the facility from 12 and 13 April.
Not far from the factory, the Israeli satellites located S-300 systems and a single S-400 system, apparently protecting the military facility.
Israeli officials have not commented on the reports of a missile strike in Syria. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel “is continuing to act on all fronts, including the northern front”.