ALBAWABA- Iran's Tasnim News Agency has dismissed reports of two Iranian figures being captured during an Israeli airstrike on Masyaf, Syria, labeling the claims as false.
Citing sources, the agency stated that no Iranian forces were present at the targeted site, and denied any casualties or captures.
According to Axios, an elite Israeli army unit destroyed a secret precision missile factory in Syria during a recent raid. The factory, reportedly built by Iran in coordination with Hezbollah, was first discovered by Israeli intelligence in 2018 and had been under surveillance for five years.
The raid, which included a ground operation targeting Iranian assets, marked the first of its kind. Israel informed the Biden administration about the sensitive mission in advance, and Washington did not object.
The attack aimed to prevent reinforcements from being sent to the region, further escalating tensions.
The Israeli airstrike, which took place last Sunday evening, was one of the most intense in years, killing at least 25 people according to an opposition war monitor.
The main target was claimed to be a military research center in Masyaf, linked to Syria’s chemical and ballistic missile programs. Explosions were also reported in Damascus, Homs, and Tartus. Syrian state media reported 16 deaths and 40 wounded.
The attack targeted pro-Iranian militias and a "scientific research facility" near Hama, allegedly operated by Iran's Revolutionary Guards.
Initial reports claimed that Israeli commandos had abducted Iranian experts during the strike, but these reports remain unconfirmed.
A senior regional military source with ties to Damascus and Tehran refuted a Reuters report that cited two intelligence sources claiming a major military research center for chemical weapons production had been struck multiple times.
The Syrian government also denied the allegation. However, the same facility was reportedly targeted in a suspected Israeli airstrike in September 2017.
