At least two people have lost their lives following a series of air attacks carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) against positions in southern Syria during the night of Tuesday to Wednesday. These attacks are part of a new policy initiated by the Israeli authorities to ensure national security, taking advantage of the weakened state of the Bashar al-Assad regime since its decline at the beginning of last December.
Reports from the Ground
The Syrian Observatory of Human Rights, based in London but with informants within the Arab country, reports that two unidentified individuals have died after the Israeli army launched a series of drone attacks near the city of Serghaya, in the province of Damascus, which borders Lebanon. The region’s beauty belies the underlying tensions and conflicts that have plagued it for years.
Additionally, there have been reported incursions by Israeli forces into the governorates of Quneitra and Deraa, both located in southern Syria, according to Chain Syria TV. However, it remains unclear if these incursions have resulted in fatalities or injuries. The IDF has stated that these attacks were targeted at “headquarters and locations containing weapons,” a move they believe is necessary for their security.
Israeli Perspective
The Israeli army has taken to social media to justify their actions, stating, “The presence of assets and military forces in the southern part of Syria is a threat to citizens of the state of Israel.” Defense Minister Israel Katz has also weighed in, asserting, “We will not allow southern Syria to become southern Lebanon.” Katz emphasized that any attempts by the Syrian regime or terrorist organizations to establish a presence in the security zone of southern Syria would be met with force.
The objective of these attacks, as outlined by Katz and collected by the Ministry of Defense, is to “release the south of Syria” and guarantee the safety of the Israeli population from threats emanating from their neighboring country, a situation that has parallels with the conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza. The military authorities have warned that the Israeli armed forces will continue to act in Syria to eliminate any threat to their citizenship, underscoring their commitment to national security.
The situation in southern Syria remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation. As the conflict unfolds, the international community will be watching closely, balancing concerns over regional stability with the need to protect civilian lives and prevent further bloodshed.