Israeli forces have intensified attacks in Syria, arresting farmers and shepherds in the western countryside of Daraa while launching airstrikes on multiple sites, including Damascus, Hama, and Homs.
Attempted Israeli Invasion of Nawa
Israeli forces launched an incursion toward the city of Nawa in western Daraa late Wednesday, with tanks shelling Tel al-Jumu. Local sources reported that Israeli military vehicles entered the Jibaliya Dam forest but later withdrew.
As the convoy moved into Harsh Tsil, it faced unexpected resistance from armed residents. Intense clashes erupted, forcing Israeli forces to withdraw briefly before returning under heavy aerial cover. Reports suggest that the convoy was surrounded at one point by local fighters, leading to a prolonged engagement.
Civilian Deaths
Israeli helicopters carried out multiple airstrikes on Tel al-Jumu near Nawa and Harsh al-Jubailiya in western Daraa. Six helicopters hovered over the region, targeting what Israel claims were military positions. The strikes on the Jibaliya forest killed at least 10 civilians from Nawa, according to local sources. The full extent of casualties from the ongoing clashes remains unclear.
Israeli Airstrikes on Syrian Infrastructure
Israeli warplanes bombed several sites key to national defense in Syria on Wednesday, targeting Damascus, Hama, and Homs. The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported strikes near the Scientific Research Building in the Barzeh Housing neighborhood of Damascus.
In Hama, two Israeli jets targeted the military airport with more than 10 airstrikes, according to local sources. Activists said the bombardment put the airport out of service. The T4 Air Base in Homs was also hit.
Israel’s military said the strikes were intended to send a message to Turkey, warning against establishing a military base in Syria. An Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post that the country would not allow its “freedom of air operations to be harmed.”
Syrian Foreign Ministry Condemns Attacks
The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the airstrikes as a violation of international law and an attack on Syrian sovereignty. In a statement released hours after the first strikes, the ministry accused Israel of attempting to destabilize Syria and prolong its suffering.
The statement highlighted that Israeli forces struck five locations within 30 minutes, destroying Hama’s military airport and injuring both civilians and military personnel. The ministry said the attacks hinder Syria’s reconstruction efforts after 14 years of war.
“Syria calls on the international community to pressure Israel to comply with international law,” the statement read. “We urge the United Nations and international bodies to take swift action to prevent further escalation.”
Growing Regional Tensions
With Israeli military activity escalating along the Syrian border, fears of further conflict are mounting. The latest clashes in Nawa mark a shift, as local communities are increasingly resisting Israeli incursions and occupation.
While the Syrian government has not taken direct military action against Israel, it has issued multiple statements condemning the attacks. Officials warn that continued Israeli aggression risks further destabilizing the region.
