Syria’s air defenses intercepted and shot down two drones that were launched from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, according to a statement from a Syrian military source. The incident, which occurred in the west of Damascus, was confirmed by Syria’s state news agency SANA.
The military source reported that the drones violated Syria’s airspace from the direction of the occupied Golan Heights before being confronted and downed by Syrian air defense systems. Earlier reports indicated that Syrian air defenses were activated in response to “hostile targets” near Damascus.
While the perpetrator behind the attack was not explicitly identified, Israel has a history of using the occupied Golan Heights as a launchpad for military actions against Syria. Since its occupation of the territory in 1967, Israel has conducted numerous acts of aggression against Syria, with attacks intensifying following the outbreak of foreign-backed militancy and terrorism in 2011.
The Golan Heights has also served as a haven for anti-Syria Takfiri terrorists, with the Israeli regime allegedly providing safe passage and medical treatment to militants fleeing Syrian counter-terrorism operations. The frequency of Israeli attacks on Syria escalated further following its military offensive against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s war on Gaza, initiated on October 7, came in response to the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas’s Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, launched in retaliation against decades of Israeli aggression and oppression. Since the onset of the offensive, Israel’s actions have resulted in a significant loss of life and widespread destruction in Gaza, drawing condemnation from the international community.
As tensions persist in the region, the downing of drones near Damascus underscores the ongoing volatility and security challenges facing Syria and its neighbors. The incident serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the enduring impact of regional conflicts on civilian populations.
