Basing its report on satellite data, the prestigious Jane’s Defense Weekly states that Syria is working tenaciously to boost its non-conventional weapons program. The Syrians are placing an emphasis on chemical agents that can be carried via surface-to-surface ballistic missiles.

Jane’s reports photos clearly define a factory where chemical agents are being produced, in southwest Syria, near ongoing construction work of a base. It is believed the base also serves as a storage facility of chemical weaponry that can be fired with Syria’s Scud rockets.

Israel has been monitoring the situation and is aware that Syria is working to increase its stockpile of chemical weapons. Israel for sometime has been warning of Syria’s advancement pertaining to its ballistic missiles.

Reports also indicate Syria is working with the Iranians towards advancing its ballistic missiles to enable pinpoint accuracy against Israeli targets, including the Scud-D, which can be launched from deep inside Syria, having a range of 700km (420 miles). The daily Yediot Achronot, quoting “experts in the field” reports the new Syrian system can pinpoint strategic targets throughout Israel.

Missiles are stored in a special facility with 30 underground fortified bunkers, to protect them from an aerial assault. The Syrians realize mobile launchers would be targeted from the air but the bunkers and the advanced base are intended to permit firing many missiles at Israeli targets before they can be knocked out.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)