Israeli strike sparks global concern: Did it explode small nuclear bomb in Syria? Report claims...

On December 16, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a powerful airstrike on a weapons depot in Tartus, Syria, destroying a Scud missile facility. However, reports suggest the damage might be far more extensive, with speculation that a small nuclear weapon could have been used in the attack.

The strike caused a massive explosion, triggering a 3.0 magnitude earthquake that was felt as far away as Iznik, Turkey, located 820 kilometers from Tartus. Russian media outlet Sputnik reported that Israel used a new missile launched from a warship. Some reports also claim that the B61 nuclear bomb, developed by the United States, might have been involved.

The European Union’s Radioactive Environmental Monitoring detected increased radiation levels in Turkey and Cyprus approximately 20 hours after the blast. This finding has raised fears of a potential nuclear incident.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the region. On December 20, the United Nations Security Council extended its peacekeeping mission between Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights for six months, expressing concerns over escalating military activities. Despite the extension, Israeli forces continued their operations along the ceasefire line on December 22.

The situation is further complicated by the recent ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a rebel offensive. In response, Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone monitored by the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), describing the move as a temporary measure to secure their borders.