In September 2024, Israeli special forces executed a meticulously planned operation to destroy an underground missile production site near Masyaf, Syria. This daring mission, now publicly acknowledged by the IDF, demonstrates that no target is out of reach for Israel’s elite units, showcasing their advanced operational capabilities.
On the night of September 8, approximately 120 commandos from the elite Shaldag Unit, supported by Unit 669, were transported via low-flying helicopters to the target site.
The facility, embedded within a mountain and located over 200 kilometers north of Israel, was designed to produce precision-guided missiles for Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed forces. Its subterranean construction, extending 70 to 130 meters underground, made it nearly impervious to conventional airstrikes.
The operation was synchronized with a series of strikes by Israeli fighter jets, drones, and naval missile boats, intended to divert attention and suppress potential reinforcements.
On arrival, the commandos secured the perimeter, neutralized guards, and infiltrated the facility. Inside, they planted approximately 300 kilograms of explosives on critical equipment and retrieved valuable intelligence documents.
The subsequent detonation resulted in a blast equivalent to one ton of explosives, effectively demolishing the complex. The raid took a total of 18 minutes.
Precise Intel, Operational Excellence
Israel had been monitoring the construction and development of the Masyaf facility since 2017. This long-term surveillance, which intensified during the current war, provided critical insights into the site’s purpose, layout, and operational status, enabling precise planning.
The operation involved extensive preparation, including months of rehearsals and simulations to address various contingencies. The seamless integration of air and ground forces, along with real-time intel, ensured the mission’s success without Israeli casualties.
By eliminating a facility poised to produce hundreds of strategic missiles annually, Israel significantly disrupted the supply chain of advanced weaponry to Hezbollah and other enemy forces.
This preemptive action neutralized an immediate threat, while also serving as a deterrent against future attempts to establish similar sites in the region.
Israeli special ops in Iran?
The Masyaf operation exemplifies Israel’s ability to strike remotely wherever threats emerge. Through unmatched intelligence, cutting-edge technology, and precise execution, Israel’s special forces continue to set the standard for regional security operations.
The success of the mission also raises the possibility that Israel may be capable of conducting similar operations in even more remote and fortified locations, including inside Iran.
The Iranians constructed several fortified nuclear and missile development sites, such as Fordow and Natanz, which are heavily protected and buried deep underground.
While such sites pose significant challenges for conventional airstrikes, Israel’s demonstrated expertise in precision raids and infiltration suggests that special forces operations may target these facilities.
According to an earlier report, the IDF is capable of deploying military forces in Iran via the army’s specialized Frontal Landing Unit. [here’s the full report: Will Israel Deploy Special Forces Inside Iran?]
