Israeli military units carried out a significant operation deep inside Syrian territory on Wednesday, targeting a former air defense facility located approximately 10 kilometers from Damascus. This marks the farthest Israeli ground operation inside Syria since the change in government last year.
The strategic site near al-Kiswah had previously served as a key installation for Iranian-backed militias. According to reports, Israeli aircraft and drones maintained control over the area for several hours, preventing Syrian forces from approaching while Israeli troops conducted operations at the facility.
This development comes amid ongoing security discussions between Syrian and Israeli representatives, with recent meetings occurring in Paris and Azerbaijan under international mediation. The talks reportedly focus on establishing security arrangements between the two technically warring nations.
In related statements, Israeli officials have emphasized their commitment to protecting minority communities in southern Syria while seeking to establish a demilitarized zone along the border areas. The Israeli position maintains that previous agreements have been invalidated by the political changes in Damascus.
Syrian authorities have condemned the military action as a violation of international law and national sovereignty. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue with international mediators cautioning that reaching comprehensive security agreements will require substantial additional negotiation.
The situation remains fluid as both sides navigate complex security concerns while international mediators work to facilitate dialogue between the long-standing adversaries.