Recent findings indicate that the Israeli Defense Forces carried out a rare attack on an Iranian military base in Syria.

Reports indicate that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a raid on an Iranian weapons facility in Syria prior to a series of strikes in the region, resulting in the death of at least 18 individuals and the injury of numerous others.

While initial reports suggested that no Israeli troops were present during the operation, The Times of Israel reported that opposition Syrian TV revealed that Israeli helicopters flew overhead as special forces descended on ropes.

The IDF special forces engaged in combat with ground forces, resulting in the deaths of several Syrians and the capture of up to four Iranians. The U.S.-owned Arabic-language Al Hurra network reported that the raids were intense and the death toll was unusual.

The Syrian government denounced the attack as "obvious violation of sovereignty," stating that it caused "significant harm" to nearby residential zones.

The IRGC claimed that the strike hit a scientific research center, but the opposition reported that the facilities belonged to the IRGC dedicated to developing ballistic missiles and drones.

Despite ongoing debate, Western officials claim the facility produces chemical weapons, while Syrian authorities insist it's a scientific research center.

According to Reuters, a major military research center for chemical weapons near Masyaf was hit several times, as reported by regional intelligence sources. SANA, the Syrian state news agency, reported that the attack occurred at around 11:20 p.m. local time but did not provide many details about the facilities affected.

A regional military source close to Iran and Syria refuted the accounts, stating that the facility was solely for research purposes.

Tehran strongly condemned the "criminal attack" in Syria, as stated by Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani.

The Zionist regime (Israel) has not been confirmed by us as the source of the media reports about an attack on an Iranian center or a center under Iran's protection, as stated during a news conference in response to a question about the attack.

Eva J. Koulouriotis, a researcher, asserted on social media platform X that the IDF initially targeted roads leading to the facility, and subsequently, special forces entered the facility to retrieve equipment and documents before destroying it and withdrawing.

Hezbollah's activities in Lebanon were supported logistically by the facility, which makes the raid a significant counterstrike against the terrorist group, which has been attacking Israel since Oct. 7.

Over the past few months, Israel and Hezbollah have engaged in a gradual escalation of attacks, with the IDF launching airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon in August.

In July, Hezbollah was responsible for a missile strike that killed a dozen children and teens. Israel responded with a strike that hit Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

Reuters contributed to this report.