Israel launches surprise attack on Syria: New details revealed
Israeli commandos struck Iranian-linked targets near Damascus in a rare ground operation, signaling escalating efforts to block Tehran’s entrenchment in Syria amid stalled diplomatic talks.
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In the early hours of this morning (Thursday), Syrian and Arab media reported significant Israeli military activity in southern Syria, approximately 40 km from Israel’s border and 8 km from Damascus, near the Al-Kiswah area. According to Al Jazeera, citing a Syrian source, Israel sent four helicopters and two fighter jets to a military base in the Al-Kiswah area. Dozens of IDF soldiers conducted a ground operation at the base after rebels detected surveillance and listening equipment in the area two days prior. During the operation, IDF soldiers with heavy vehicles carried out a two-hour search before leaving, per Open Source Intel.
Western intelligence sources confirmed that Israeli commando forces targeted sites where Iran-backed militias and Syria’s 1st Division were active, aiming to prevent Iranian re-entrenchment in the region.
The operation follows reports of Israeli-Syrian talks on a potential agreement involving the transfer of Mount Dov and Shebaa Farms to Syria in exchange for Syria suspending demands for the Golan Heights.
Negotiations reportedly stalled after a massacre of Druze in southern Syria but remain under consideration, with Israel assessing political feasibility for such a deal, which would require approval from 80 Knesset members. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz hinted at the operation, posting on X: “Our forces are operating in all theaters of combat, day and night, for Israel’s security.”
Meanwhile, reports warn of Iran placing Israel “in its crosshairs” within 30 days, escalating regional tensions.