Israeli Air Strikes Escalate Tensions as Six Syrian Soldiers Are Killed

Wed Oct 22 2025 04:49:21 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a recent wave of attacks, Israel's airstrikes near Damascus have resulted in the deaths of six Syrian troops, prompting strong condemnation from the Syrian government, which asserts a violation of international law.

Israeli drone strikes have killed six Syrian soldiers, leading Syria's government to denounce them as violations of sovereignty and international law. The attacks coincided with Israel's military operations in the region aimed at countering perceived threats, raising concerns about escalating tensions between the two countries. Israel's Defense Minister has stated that the military operations continue for national security. The frequency of Israeli attacks has surged since the Syrian civil conflict began.

Israeli drone strikes near Damascus have killed six Syrian soldiers, Syria's government said, among a series of reported attacks this week.

Syria's foreign ministry condemned Tuesday's strike as a violation of international law and a breach of its sovereignty.

After more strikes on Wednesday, Israeli forces carried out an airborne landing at a former military site in the area, international and Syrian state media report. Reports differ on what forces did and how long they stayed for.

Israel's military told the BBC it did not comment on foreign reports. Defence Minister Israel Katz posted on X on Thursday that forces are operating in all combat zones day and night for the security of Israel.

Israel has carried out dozens of attacks across Syria since the fall of ex-President Bashar al-Assad in December, which saw an Islamist-led government set up by former rebels. Israel at the time said it was acting to stop weapons from falling into the hands of extremists.

This year, Israel has conducted 95 attacks - 85 air strikes and 10 land operations - according to British-based monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

Tuesday's attack occurred while Syrian troops were attempting to deal with surveillance and eavesdropping devices discovered during a field tour near al-Kiswah, Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reports.

Further air strikes followed on Wednesday, occurring around 10km (six miles) from where Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa was attending the Damascus International Fair, SOHR reported.

Details available on the subsequent landing by Israeli forces at the former military site reported on Wednesday night are scarce. SANA indicated that Israeli aircraft launched several raids followed by an airdrop, with details remaining unclear.

A Syrian military source told Al Jazeera that dozens of soldiers with search equipment stayed at the site for more than two hours, while two Syrian army sources reported the troops withdrew after conducting the landing with no further details.

These recent attacks coincide with ongoing deconfliction talks between Israel and Syria. In July, Israel bombed Syrian government forces around Suweida as the army moved in following deadly sectarian clashes, which the Syrian government condemned, citing civilian and military casualties.

The conflict continues to highlight the complex dynamics in the region, as both nations navigate their historical and ongoing tensions amidst rising violence.