BICOM

New satellite images have been published that reveal a surface-to-surface missile (SSM) factory inside Syria which closely resembles similar sites in Iran.

According to a new report by ImageSat International, the construction of the facility — located in Wadi Jahannam near Baniyas — will be completed in early 2019. The images reveal some structures at the site are very similar to SSM facilities in Parchin, highlighting concerns that Iran is deepening its military presence in Syria. The facility is also close to a Russian S-400 anti-aircraft battery, considered to be one of the most advanced air defence systems in the world.

According to monitoring by ImageSat International, Iran’s Defence and Armed Forces Minister Brig.-Gen. Amir Hatami accompanied Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officials on a visit to Syria earlier this week. The two countries signed a defence agreement that allows for the “presence and participation” of Iran in Syria. Hatami further added that the agreement gives Iran an extensive role in the rehabilitation and redevelopment of  Syria’s armed forces and defence industry.

ImageSat International’s report on the SSM site suggests that this cooperation is already being implemented on the ground. The report also notes that whilst Syria appears to be  reinforcing SSM capabilities for the domestic conflict, since those conflicts are currently smaller and less widespread than before, it is possible that the Iranian efforts are for future use by Hezbollah or Iran itself against Israel.

Israel has bombed numerous military sites in Syria during the seven-year civil war. It last bombed a Syrian-based Iranian military site in Masyaf in July. Israel did not comment on its  involvement in the airstrike, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel “will not stop taking action in Syria against Iran’s attempts to establish a military presence there”.

Earlier this year BICOM published a briefing identifying the location of Iranian military bases in Syria, detailing the composition of Shia militias in Syria and explaining the role of the IRGC.