Israeli drone strikes near Damascus have killed six Syrian soldiers, Syria's government announced, amidst a series of escalating military actions reported this week.
On Tuesday, the Syrian foreign ministry condemned the airstrike as a violation of international law and a breach of sovereignty. Reports indicate that following initial attacks, Israeli forces conducted an airborne landing at a former military site in the region, although details on the extent and duration of that operation remain unclear.
While Israel's military declined to comment on these reports, Defence Minister Israel Katz stated on social media that forces are operating in all combat zones day and night for the security of Israel.
Since the fall of ex-President Bashar al-Assad, Israel has reportedly carried out numerous strikes in Syria, aiming to prevent weapon transfers to extremist factions. This year alone, Israeli forces have conducted 95 attacks within the country.
The recent airstrikes occurred as Syrian troops were investigating surveillance devices discovered during operations near al-Kiswah. Following the Tuesday attack, more strikes ensued on Wednesday, coinciding with significant events in the capital, where Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa was present.
Additional reports described an Israeli airborne operation involving soldiers with search equipment, which lasted over two hours at the landing site. Although some sources indicated a withdrawal shortly after, the details surrounding their missions and objectives remain vague amidst ongoing deconfliction negotiations between Israel and Syria.
Israel's military engagements have increasingly targeted positions it deems a threat, including government forces arriving in Druze areas following violent sectarian clashes, showcasing the complex and fraught dynamics of the conflict in Syria.
