Israeli Airstrikes Target Syrian Chemical Weapons, Putin Offers Asylum to Assad

Israeli forces have intensified their airstrikes on Syria, targeting chemical weapons sites and long-range missile systems to prevent these weapons from falling into the hands of extremist groups. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed on Monday that the strikes aimed at key military installations were part of a broader effort to safeguard Israeli security and regional stability.

Meanwhile, the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate as rebel forces have captured the capital, Damascus, and toppled the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. With Islamist rebels seizing major cities, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have moved to occupy strategic positions in Syria. The IDF crossed into a demilitarized zone along the Israeli-Syrian border on Sunday, a region that had been established under a 1974 agreement. The move comes after rebel groups, including those with jihadist ties, reportedly attacked United Nations positions in the area.

The Israeli presence in the buffer zone is described as "targeted and temporary," meant to prevent another large-scale attack similar to last year's Hamas infiltration. The Israeli government has also issued warnings to civilians in southern Syria to stay indoors for safety.

On the diplomatic front, Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to offer asylum to Assad in Russia following the fall of his regime. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Monday that Russia will provide political sanctuary to the ousted leader.

As tensions rise across the region, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed concerns about the potential for renewed civil war in Syria. He noted that the situation is being closely monitored by Iran, with worries that Syria could fragment into a sectarian conflict or become a sanctuary for terrorist groups. Araghchi also mentioned that Assad was "surprised" by his army’s performance in the wake of the government's collapse.

In Lebanon, a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces remains intact, despite ongoing airstrikes by Israel targeting Hezbollah positions. The Israeli military has described these strikes as retaliatory measures for violations of the ceasefire by the Iranian-backed militant group. Meanwhile, Israel’s ongoing air and ground campaigns in Gaza continue to escalate tensions, with military exchanges between Israel and Iran adding to the already volatile situation.

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