Thread by @AuroraIntel

Thread: On the 5th May 2021, according to reports the #IDF conducted a rare airstrike in the vicinity of Latakia and Hama, #Syria. Due to the heavy Russian presence in Latakia and since the downing of the IL-20 in 2018 the IDF appear to have avoided this region.

video's from the airstrikes began to circulate. The video included is from the reported "Plastics Factory", NE of Latakia.

https://twitter.com/AuroraIntel/status/1389979172743831563

Early geolocation confirmed the strike. It was wildy reported that this is a civilian establishment and has no military connection in Syria, however reports elsewhere of course contradict this (i'll come back to this later)

An additional target in Latakia was also identified in the SW of the city near in an industrial estate. Images released during the morning of the 5th (one included) helped geolocate the area with the reports circulating. Reportedly civilian too.

https://twitter.com/AuroraIntel/status/1390395369201274887

Additionally a 2nd site from the evening was circulating, a video from East of Jableh, showing extensive secondary explosions amidst a large fire. The location was noticeably different to the video at the beginning of the thread due to the hilly landscapes.

Mutliple social media reports alluded to the video being in the vicinity of Ras Al-Ain, Jableh Countryside, "near a dam", satellite imagery confirms the explosion at a warehouse stationed in a complex. Reports also suggested that the warehouse to the SW was also damaged however

this can't be observed on this sat imagery, so it's unclear as to now if it's the case, it remains to be investigated with higher resolution.

Next, we have an obscure target, a Cow Farm (yes) videos circulating social media show heavily sustained damage at a cow Farm, SE of Masyaf.

Satellite imagery confirms the complex appears to be targeted as reported.

Finally we have the SSRC Branch located north of Masyaf. This is still unclear on the 3m/px imagery what/if it was targeted, however changes in the surroundings are noticeable, assessment will be continued with higher res.

https://twitter.com/AuroraIntel/status/1389987965150060550

The array of reported targets are interesting, and appear to be slightly random in some respect, the mix of civilian and a military base. It has long been reported that the IRGC supply chain is embedded within Syria and several civilian infrastructures, this could be one answer?

It is also important to note that the IDF are in a constant campaign with the SAA for aiding #Hezbollah. According to some interesting social media posts on Facebook, the farm has some potential connections this way.

https://twitter.com/AuroraIntel/status/1390279502530498562

Is this part of the message to the SAA personnel and connections? and/or a message to IRGC/Hezbollah that connections are known? the strikes from the IDF point of view were required and needed, taking the risk of venturing into "Russia Land" imo, is only done when necessary.