A security source in Syria told the American television network Alhora that Iran is installing missile launchers at the Imam Ali Revolutionary Guards base in the east of the country.
The launchers transferred to Syria
Photo:
Arab networks
Iran has transferred missile launchers suitable for underground operation to the "Imam Ali" base in Syria, the American Arabic-language television network "Al-Hura" reported today (Saturday).
According to the report, Revolutionary Guards forces moved the launchers under heavy security to the base areas serving the pro-Iranian militias in eastern Syria, through the special Revolutionary Guards border terminal on the Syrian-Iraqi border, and from there by a separate access road to the base areas.
Defense Minister Gantz on a visit to the border with Syria last month: "We will act against anyone who tries to harm us" // Photo: Tal Oz, Ministry of Defense
The person who provided the news to the news network is a Syrian security source who asked to remain anonymous, who claimed that the target of the launchers was unknown, but said that they would most likely be installed at underground sites built specifically at the Iranian base.
"The launch facilities are hidden in underground facilities, for fear of airstrikes, until a special elevator system is fitted that will allow them to launch missiles above ground, and then be lowered back to the safety of the underground facility," the source told the news network.
Another report, published in the Al-Arabiya news network, claimed that a large quantity of weapons and missiles had been transferred to pro-Iranian militias in eastern Syria in the past day.
According to the report, a large shipment of Grad missiles and other heavy ammunition was brought in through the border crossing between Iraq and Syria, disguised as trucks loaded with vegetables.
The Syrian Center for Human Rights, a Syrian opposition organization operating from London, told the Emirati network that members of the Fatimit militia, an Afghan mercenary force in the service of the Revolutionary Guards together with Hezbollah Brigades in Iraq, use underground tunnels left behind by ISIS to hide their intensification. And protect it from airstrikes.
The Imam Ali base is the largest Iranian base in Syria and includes weapons depots, tens of miles of internal roads as well as headquarters and residences for Quds Force members of the Revolutionary Guards and pro-Iranian militias in Syria.
The base was attacked several times from the air and clear damage was done to some of its facilities.