In yet another feat by Israeli intelligence and military units that will undoubtedly be etched into the annals of military history, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted an audacious operation deep in enemy territory. Dubbed "Operation Many Roads," this covert mission that occurred on September 8th, 2024 targeted a strategic weapons manufacturing facility in Masyaf, Syria, a site critical to Iran’s and Hezbollah’s ambitions. The operation unfolded 200 kilometers beyond Israel's borders, in a region heavily fortified with surface-to-air missile systems and under constant surveillance by Syrian forces.
The assault was revealed in September by several open source intelligence accounts on X (formerly Twitter), however the details were classified until today when the IDF publicized it.
Breaking Records and Pushing Boundaries
The elite Shaldag unit spearheaded this monumental mission, setting a new benchmark with its 800th operation since the start of the ongoing conflict. This particular operation, however, stood out as the pinnacle of Israel’s defense strategy. It was a meticulously coordinated effort involving the Military Intelligence Directorate, the Air Force, the Operations Division, and the Navy, with each branch playing a pivotal role.
The Israeli military declassified intelligence on a commando raid that destroyed an Iranian-funded and supported underground compound for manufacturing precision missiles in Syria:
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) January 2, 2025
On September 8, 2024, over 100 Shaldag commandos raided an underground compound in Masyaf, Syria.… pic.twitter.com/IacE7zQrt2
Operation By the Numbers
- Duration: 3 hours from start to finish
- Airspace Incursion Time: 18 minutes from entry to landing
- Assets Deployed: 14 fighter jets; 6 helicopters; 5 UAVs; 120 fighters from Shaldag and Combat Search & Rescue Unit 669
- Munitions Dropped: 49 on various targets
- Personnel Involved: Thousands across headquarters, operational units, and support teams
The Target: A Strategic Weapons Facility
The site, code-named "Deep Layer" by the IDF, was a sprawling, fortified underground complex. Built into a mountain, it housed advanced machinery capable of producing surface-to-surface missiles (SGMs) and medium- to long-range rockets. The factory’s strategic importance stemmed from its role as a substitute for Iran’s direct missile shipments, which had been repeatedly intercepted by Israeli forces.
The facility was nearing operational readiness, with the potential to produce hundreds of missiles annually. Intelligence revealed that the site’s tunnels, offices, and logistics infrastructure were nearly complete, though its guard presence was minimal at the time, a window of opportunity Israel seized.
According to Middle East researcher Eva Koulouriotis, special Israeli forces reportedly infiltrated an Iranian missile facility near Masyaf, gathered intelligence, and possibly extracted engineers from the site.
— Voice From The East (@EasternVoices) September 12, 2024
🔽 pic.twitter.com/8BSucrNdtf
Cunning Deception and Unparalleled Precision
To mask their true intentions, the IDF launched a simultaneous attack on the Sars weapons production site. This misdirection convinced Syrian forces that the operation was purely an air campaign, diverting their focus from Masyaf.
Overcoming Challenges in Enemy Territory
The mission’s success hinged on navigating a gauntlet of challenges:
- Radar Evasion: Yasur helicopters flew just 60 feet above the sea to avoid detection by Syrian radars.
- Thick Mountain Doors: The Shaldag unit, prepared for technical challenges, swiftly breached the fortified tunnel doors with specialized equipment.
- Rapid Execution: From landing to detonation, the team moved with clockwork precision, taking just 50 minutes to breach and rig the facility with explosives.
The IDF has released footage showing over 100 Shaldag soldiers raiding and destroying a missile production facility used by Hezbollah in Masyaf, Syria in September. pic.twitter.com/wCPiLP3NTl
— Tzvi Joffre (@TzviJoffre) January 2, 2025
Leadership and Determination
Lt. Col. B, the commander of Shaldag, inspired his fighters with stirring words before the mission:
“We will carry out this mission and return home safely. The entire Air Force and IDF are behind us. Take care of each other. I trust you as I trust no one else.”
Impeccable Intelligence and Unyielding Resolve
The operation relied on extraordinarily precise intelligence. Shaldag fighters trained extensively, even mastering forklift operation to handle explosives within the factory. Their preparation and the accuracy of their intelligence allowed one fighter to remark, “I felt at home because I knew every detail and room.”
Syria 🇸🇾
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) September 14, 2024
The route leading to the Masyaf Research Center, where the battle occurred.
Looks like it was serious operation. pic.twitter.com/tlSpqdvQcV
High-Stakes Diplomacy
The Americans were given a preliminary update on the operation, while the Russians were informed mid-mission about air activity without disclosing ground movements. These delicate diplomatic maneuvers ensured no external interference disrupted the mission.
Mission Outcome: A Resounding Success
The operation concluded with zero casualties among Israeli forces. The Shaldag unit executed a flawless retreat, detonating over a ton of explosives that obliterated the facility. The force’s exit was marked by a monumental explosion that resonated across the region.
Upon returning to base, the fighters unfurled a flag bearing the image of the late Major Yitzhar Hoffman, honoring the legacy of a fallen hero.
Strategic Significance
This operation not only neutralized a critical threat but also delivered a severe blow to Hezbollah’s capacity to rearm. It underscored the IDF’s unwavering resolve to thwart its adversaries and maintain Israel’s security. The courage and precision displayed in "Operation Many Roads" reaffirm Israel’s position as a global leader in military innovation and operational excellence.
