An overnight Israeli military operation in southern Syria has resulted in significant casualties and confrontations, with Syrian state media reporting at least nine fatalities including two children. The incident marks one of the most serious border clashes in recent months between Israeli forces and Syrian residents.
According to SANA, Israel’s pre-dawn raid targeted the town of Beit Jinn in Quneitra province on Friday, where troops stormed the area and detained three individuals. The military action triggered widespread displacement as numerous families fled to neighboring villages for safety. Syrian correspondents reported that Israeli artillery initiated the assault at approximately 3:40 AM local time, followed by ground troop movements.
The situation escalated dramatically when local residents confronted the Israeli forces, leading to intense firefights that Syrian media described as “fierce clashes.” During the confrontation, Israeli drones maintained persistent aerial surveillance while casualties were transported to Al-Golan National Hospital in Al-Salam city.
Israeli military officials acknowledged injuries to six soldiers during what they characterized as an operation targeting members of Al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya. According to Haaretz, two officers were among three soldiers listed in serious condition, with others sustaining moderate and light injuries. The military stated that a unit from the 55th Paratroopers Brigade had detained two brothers allegedly linked to the group when gunfire erupted during their withdrawal.
In response to the resistance, Israel deployed fighter jets and drones to strike positions they identified as being used by local gunmen. An Israeli Humvee was reportedly hit during the exchange and subsequently struck again by Israeli fire. Additionally, Israeli warplanes dropped incendiary balloons over the area while aircraft intensified patrol operations.
This incident represents an escalation in Israel’s recurrent cross-border operations in Quneitra province within the occupied Golan Heights and deeper into the Damascus countryside. These military actions have drawn condemnation from Damascus and regional states, with observers noting increased aggression over the past year following Israel’s expanded occupation of southern Syria.