Israeli Raids Target Air Defence Bases Near Damascus, Syrian Opposition Forces Declare Curfew

Last Updated:December 08, 2024, 17:14 IST

This comes shortly after the Israeli military said it had deployed forces to a demilitarised buffer zone in southwest Syria, adjacent to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights

Smoke rises as people gather at a damaged site after what Syrian state news agency said was an Israeli strike in Damascus suburb of Mazzeh, Syria. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Israel on Sunday carried out raids targeting air defence bases and ammunition depots near Syria’s capital, Damascus.

This comes shortly after the Israeli military said it had deployed forces to a demilitarised buffer zone in southwest Syria, adjacent to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, following Damascus’ fall to rebel forces.

Israel had already stated the day before, as Islamist-led rebels swiftly advanced across Syria, that its soldiers had entered the UN-patrolled buffer zone to assist peacekeepers in repelling an attack.

On Sunday, the army announced a troop deployment in the zone, citing “the possible entry of armed individuals into the buffer zone."

“Following the recent events in Syria… the IDF (army) has deployed forces in the buffer zone and in several other places necessary for its defence, to ensure the safety of the communities of the Golan Heights and the citizens of Israel," a military statement said.

Israeli forces “will continue to operate as long as necessary in order to preserve the buffer zone and defend Israel," the statement added. It stressed that the Israeli military “is not interfering with the internal events in Syria."

(With inputs from agencies)

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News world Israeli Raids Rock Syria, Target Air Defence Bases Near Damascus