Israel Launches New Operations in Syria After Strikes on Military Sites
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a series of strikes on a former army barracks in Kiswa, southwest of Damascus, Syria’s state-run Al-Ekhbariya TV reported Wednesday.
The strike comes a day after the Israeli forces struck Syrian military sites in Kiswa, killing at least six soldiers.
A Syrian military source told Al Jazeera on Wednesday that Israeli forces also carried out a landing operation at a former air defense base, reportedly used by Iran during the rule of ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, with the use of four helicopters. The source said the IDF deployed dozens of soldiers along with search equipment during the mission.
The news outlet reported that no clashes occurred between the Israeli forces and the Syrian army. According to a Reuters report, Israeli forces withdrew after spending some time at the site.
Israel has not commented on the report.
The attacks follow Syrian accusations that Israel is expanding its presence across southern Syria. On Monday, Damascus said 60 Israeli soldiers entered territory near Mount Hermon and set up posts in a demilitarized zone, violating the 1974 disengagement agreement.
Syria Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani called the actions part of “expansionist and partition plans.”
The latest strikes come as Syria and Israel engage in U.S.-mediated talks aimed at easing tensions in southern Syria, with Damascus seeking a security deal that could pave the way for broader political negotiations.
