Israeli Forces Conduct Five-Hour Operation Near Damascus, Targeting Iranian-Backed Militants Amid Growing Security Concerns

Israeli Forces Conduct Operations Near Damascus

Helicopter Deployments and Search Operations

A recent report from Al-Mayadeen, a Lebanese network linked to Hezbollah, disclosed that Israeli forces were deployed via helicopters in the vicinity of the village of Yaafour, approximately 10 kilometers from the Syrian capital, Damascus. This operation reportedly took place late Thursday into early Friday, where three helicopters landed troops in an area previously affiliated with the Syrian Republican Guard during the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. After a five-hour search, the Israeli forces exited the site via the same helicopters.

In additional developments, it was reported that Israeli forces entered the village of Rahla for the first time, located in the western agricultural region of Damascus near the Lebanese border, accompanied by three armored vehicles. Further operations included an incursion into another village in the western agricultural district of Daraa, specifically targeting a former position of the Syrian army near the village of Ain Dechr.

Targeting Iranian-Linked Militant Cells

On Wednesday, an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson announced the successful capture of an Iranian-linked militant cell during a specialized operation in southern Syria. The operation, conducted by troops from the Golani Brigade in conjunction with Unit 504 field investigators, transpired in the Bedouin villages of Umm al-Luks and Ain al-Basli. This focused mission was conducted on the basis of intelligence gathered from recent interrogations. The Israeli forces reportedly recovered multiple weapons, including firearms and grenades, at the location of the arrest.

According to Lieutenant Colstartl (Res.) M., a battalion commander in the Golani Brigade, “We have just completed another successful night of operations. We will not allow the establishment of terrorist entities in the area and will continue our work around the clock to maintain security.”

Concerns Over Security Agreements and Impacts on the Druze Community

Growing apprehension among the Druze community in Israel has surfaced due to ongoing negotiations for a security agreement between Israel and Syria. The concerns are particularly focused on the fate of their kin in southern Syria, especially in the Suwayda region. These fears intensified following a massacre that occurred three months ago in the suburbs of Damascus, where 105 Druze were killed and 26 young individuals were abducted, many of whom remain missing. Reports suggest that the attack was executed by forces affiliated with the regime of Syrian leader Ahmed al-Joulani, who demanded the disarmament of the Druze.

Israeli Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, conducted a tour and assessment of the Syrian border, alongside Northern Command Chief, Major General Uri Gordon, amid ongoing quiet talks about the security agreement. “We operate decisively against any tangible or emerging threat and will continue to target terrorist organizations and Hezbollah,” Zamir emphasized. He noted that “Syria is undergoing significant change, and we will persist in our operations beyond the border to ensure the security of Israeli citizens.”


Photo Credit: Dovrat IDF

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