The Israeli Air Force conducted a retaliatory bombardment of Syrian military installations over the weekend after projectiles fired from the Arab Republic exploded adjacent to the border security barrier between the two nations. There were no reported injuries in Israel caused by the incoming missives, although a civilian building and one vehicle were damaged.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit told TV7 that attack helicopters struck observation posts and intelligence collection systems located within Syrian military bases in response to the incident. According to additional TV7 sources, the Israeli strike was launched in the southern Quneitra Governorate near the border-village of Hadr. At least two fatalities of “non-Syrian militants” were confirmed, while two members of the Syrian regime forces sustained injuries.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit emphasized in a written statement to TV7 that it “holds the Syrian regime responsible for the fire against Israel,” and that it “will continue operating with determination and will respond to any violation of Israeli sovereignty.”
During his weekly cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he is holding ongoing assessments of the situation on the country’s northern front with Defense Minister Benny Gantz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi.
“We are acting according to our consistent policy of not allowing Iran to entrench militarily on our northern border. Lebanon and Syria bear the responsibility for any attack against Israel emanating from their territories. We will not allow our security to be undermined; neither will we allow our citizens to be threatened. We will not tolerate attacks on our forces,” Netanyahu asserted, stressing that “The IDF is prepared to respond to any threat.”
A number of preemptive measures taken in light of mounting tensions along Israel’s northern front have been cleared for publication. They include the deployment of additional troops to the area, as well as the closure of several civilian routes in the area and restriction of others solely to military vehicles.