An Israeli drone strike on a vehicle in southern Syria wounded one person, Syrian state television reported. Israel later said the operation targeted a “terrorist” who was in the final stages of preparing an attack against Israeli soldiers.
The strike near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights comes amid increased Israeli military activity in Syria and only days after a raid on Abu al-Duhur airbase.
IDF says target was preparing an IED attack
Syrian state television initially reported that an Israeli drone had struck a vehicle in the village of Beit Jinn, near the Golan Heights occupied by Israel, injuring one person. The Israeli military later confirmed the operation.
In a statement, the IDF said it struck a “terrorist who was in the final stages of preparing an attack against Israeli soldiers” in southern Syria.
According to Israeli military radio, the target was planning to attack an Israeli military force using an improvised explosive device.
Earlier, Al Jazeera reported that the strike had taken place at a farm in the al-Ain area on the outskirts of Damascus. An IDF spokesperson said at the time that the information was being examined, before the military issued its official confirmation.
Israeli military activity in Syria intensifies
The incident occurred only days after an Israeli raid on Abu al-Duhur airbase in Idlib province, north-western Syria.
The operation heightened tensions between Israel and Turkey, as the Israeli government said there were plans to deploy Turkish military forces at the facility. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the strike was authorised after earlier warnings to the Syrian leadership went unanswered.
Ankara denied that Turkish officers were present at the base, although the Syrian defence minister confirmed that a visit had taken place.
Israel expands operations after Assad’s fall
Israel has significantly intensified its military operations in Syria since President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in December 2024 by a coalition of Islamist groups.
It has also deployed troops in the UN-monitored demilitarised zone in the Golan Heights, saying it has established a “security zone” that it intends to retain.
Last Wednesday, the chief of the Israeli armed forces, General Eyal Zamir, said from the southern Syrian sector that Israel was closely monitoring developments and “will not allow hostile forces to establish themselves on its border”.
Source: CNA
