The S-300 surface-to-air rockets were spotted at a base in northern Syria by Israeli company ImageSat International (ISI). Satellite images show three launchers are erected which could indicate an “increase of the operational level and alertness”, according to the firm. The release of the pictures comes as Israeli jets continue to attack Iranian targets and those of its allied militias in Syria.
Russia said it delivered S-300 launchers to Bashar al-Assad’s regime in October after a Russian reconnaissance plane was accidentally shot down by forces loyal to the Syrian President.
Moscow blamed Israel for “irresponsible actions” and claimed Israeli pilots had used the Russian Il-20 “for cover” as they launched an airstrike.
Israel insists Syrian forces were to blame for the downing of the Il-20, which killed all 15 crewmen on board.
In response, Russia sent Assad four launchers along with the radar systems and control vehicles needed to operate them.
However, the assessment by ISI says the launchers spotted in Masyaf are not yet operational.
The firm added that one of the launchers was covered by a camouflage net, which was unusual, and raised “question marks about the operation level of the whole battery, and specifically of the covered and folded launcher”.
Meanwhile, Iran has warned Israel of “firm and appropriate” response if it continues attacking targets in Syria.
Tehran has backed Assad in the eight-year civil war. Troops from the elite Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards are stationed in Syria.
Israel had previously refused to confirm or deny bombing Iranian targets but has been increasingly open about its airstrikes in recent weeks.
On January 21, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had bombed Quds Force targets around the Syrian capital, Damascus.
The IDF said the raid on sites including ammunition storage facilities and a training camp was in response to a previous rocket attack on the occupied Golan Heights.
The secretary of Iran’s National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said the Israeli attacks violated Syria’s territorial integrity and were “unacceptable”.
He was quoted by the Fars news agency as saying: “If these actions continue, we will activate some calculated measures as a deterrent and as a firm and appropriate response to teach a lesson to the criminal and lying rulers of Israel.”