Israeli Airstrikes Hit Syrian Chemical-Weapons

Israel said it had struck chemical-weapons caches and other missile and air-defense systems in Syria on Monday, taking advantage of the chaos there to destroy what it sees as dangerous assets that could fall into rebel hands.

Since the stunning assault by Syrian rebels that brought down the regime of President Bashar al-Assad over the weekend, Israel said it has taken immediate steps to ensure the protection of its border amid the uncertainty engulfing the country. This includes striking targets across Syria and swiftly seizing a demilitarized buffer zone with Syria as well as adjacent points.

“What guides us is the security of the state of Israel and its citizens. Therefore we attacked strategic weapons, the residual chemical weapons capabilities, long-range missiles and rockets, so they won’t fall into the hands of radicals,” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said.Israel isn’t the only country that has struck Syria since Assad’s fall. The U.S. hit more than 75 targets related to Islamic State on Sunday, including camps and operatives in central Syria, according to the U.S. Central Command.“There should be no doubt—we will not allow ISIS to reconstitute and take advantage of the current situation in Syria,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla who heads Centcom, referring to Islamic State.