Syrian state television reported that on 26/7, Israeli forces bombed a location near the town of Kisweh, approximately 20 km south of Damascus, resulting in the deaths of 6 Syrian soldiers. Israel conducted further airstrikes on the same location on 27/8.

SANA, citing Syrian government sources, reported that "listening and surveillance devices" were discovered in the area before the Israeli attacks. A Syrian defense official told AFP that the targeted location was a former Syrian military base at Tal Maneh, near Kisweh.

Israeli F-15 fighter jets during a training exercise over the Mediterranean Sea in March. Photo: USAF

Israeli F-15 fighter jets during a training exercise over the Mediterranean Sea in March. Photo: USAF

Following the second airstrike on 27/8, Israeli ground troops were airlifted to the area to conduct a raid, according to SANA. "Details of the raid remain unclear, and reconnaissance flights are continuing with increased frequency," the news agency stated.

According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the targeted base housed weapons belonging to Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group allied with the former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.

On 28/8, the Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned Israel's actions as a "flagrant violation" of international law and the UN Charter, as well as Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Israeli officials have not commented on the reports.

SOHR believes this is the first Israeli ground incursion into Syria since Assad's ousting in 12/2024. However, Tel Aviv earlier this month announced a ground operation in southern Syria to dismantle weapons caches and smuggling networks.

Location of Israel and Syria. Graphic: BBC

Location of Israel and Syria. Graphic: BBC

The Israeli military has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria since the collapse of the Assad regime. Tel Aviv has also initiated talks with the current administration in Damascus.

Pham Giang (According to AFP)