Having been through the bekaa valley during early stages of the 2006 war, then 10 days in Beirut during the conflict and after that driving from the Syrian coast to Damascus and then south to Jordan; It is quite apparent that Israel could announce the date and time of an air strike and likely complete it with impunity...even today.
Syria may have some more modern military technology, however what I saw was mostly 1960s and early 70’s worn out junk. A friend of mine is a retired “christian” General in an Arab country. He asserts it is “impossible” to have a effective military when the religion of Islam interferes with training and operations, as in required prayer 5 times a day. I am not being critical of the religion here, just the conflict of interest between soldiering and the particular religion.
That must have been fascinating and harrowing at the same time. Were you traveling in the area and just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.