The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Saturday that it carried out a series of targeted raids in southern Syria over the past week, seizing and destroying numerous weapons. The operation resulted in the capture of rifles, ammunition, rockets, and other military gear.
Syrian media earlier confirmed Israeli forces were operating near the Tel al-Mal peak in the Daraa Governorate, which is situated about 13 kilometers from the Israeli border and outside the designated buffer zone. This area was once home to a military post under the previous Syrian regime.
While Israel has maintained that its presence in southern Syria is temporary and defensive, Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that Israeli troops will remain at nine army posts indefinitely. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized that southern Syria must be demilitarized, warning against the presence of forces from the new Syrian Islamist-led government near Israel’s territory.
The IDF also confirmed recent airstrikes targeting a Syrian military facility in Qardaha, east of Latakia, where weapons were reportedly stored. Earlier operations included airstrikes in southern Syria, targeting military sites believed to be linked to weapons storage.
Throughout Syria’s civil war, Israel has frequently carried out airstrikes, primarily targeting Syrian government forces and Iranian-linked military infrastructure. Following the fall of Assad’s regime, Israel’s operations in Syria continue to focus on preventing the entrenchment of hostile forces near its border.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high as Syrian officials and participants in Syria’s national dialogue conference condemned Israel’s actions, calling for international pressure to halt what they labeled as “aggression” and “violations” of Syrian sovereignty.
Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-says-it-seized-destroyed-weapons-in-targeted-raids-in-southern-syria/