Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly advanced about 25 kilometers southwest of Damascus, with sources indicating an incursion into Syrian territory near Qatana.
Jpost quoting an IDF spokesperson said the Israel Army denied claims of troops penetrating beyond the buffer zone, asserting the operation was conducted within the demilitarized area.
In a related development, Israeli tanks were spotted approximately 20 kilometers from Damascus, escalating tensions in the region. Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) carried out a significant operation targeting Syrian naval assets. Israeli naval missile ships destroyed numerous Syrian vessels, including those carrying sea-to-sea missiles, in the Mina al-Bayda area and the port of Latakia. The IDF confirmed the operation was intended to prevent Syria’s naval assets from falling into the hands of hostile groups.
Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon assured the United Nations Security Council that the actions were limited, temporary, and focused on neutralizing immediate security threats, particularly to Israeli citizens living in the Golan Heights. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed the IDF to intensify operations along the Syrian border, with a focus on securing the region and building ties with local populations, including the Druze community.
