An Israeli military operation in a village in southern Syria has reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people and injuries to dozens more, according to Syrian state media. The incident, described as one of the deadliest in months, also saw six Israeli soldiers sustain injuries.
Incident Overview
Syrian state news agency Sana reported that Israeli forces conducted a raid overnight in a village identified as Beit Jinn, located on the edge of the occupied Golan Heights. Sana indicated that residents "confronted" the Israeli troops, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Air strikes and shelling of the village were also reported by Sana, which stated that children were among the deceased and that a local hospital director confirmed receiving bodies, including five from a single family, along with dozens of injured individuals. Three people were reportedly arrested by Israeli troops before their withdrawal.
Israeli Defense Forces Statement
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that its troops entered the village to apprehend militants accused of "advanced terror attacks against Israeli civilians." The IDF identified the target of Friday's operation as the Jaama Islamiya militant group. According to the IDF, "several armed terrorists opened fire" on their soldiers at the beginning of the raid, prompting a return of fire. The IDF later confirmed that "all of the suspects were apprehended, and a number of terrorists were eliminated." Footage released by the IDF depicted two air strikes, one appearing to target a group of individuals and the other a building.
Monitoring Reports
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that a building collapsed during the operation.
Regional Context
Israel routinely conducts incursions into Syrian territory, asserting these actions are necessary to prevent the establishment or presence of armed groups. Following the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad approximately a year ago, Israeli forces have moved into southern Syria across a buffer zone on the Golan Heights, an area where various anti-Israel groups and cells are known to operate. Israel has stated its policy of not permitting the Syrian army, which it considers a threat, to deploy in this region. Months of US-mediated discussions aimed at a security agreement between Israel and Syria for the area have not yielded success.