Syrian media outlets and military officials reported that Israeli forces carried out a series of strikes in the Damascus countryside August 26 and 27, targeting sites in the Kiswah area and on Mount al-Manea. The latest violations began Tuesday, when Israeli drones struck near Kiswah, killing six Syrian army personnel, including an officer.
The following day, Israeli warplanes launched at least six raids on military positions in Jabal al-Manea. Local sources said Israeli drones and reconnaissance aircraft circled the area for hours, preventing access. Later that evening, an airdrop was conducted involving four helicopters, though the details remain unclear. The Syrian Ministry of Defense confirmed to Agence France-Presse that several soldiers were killed in the strikes, including members of the 44th Division.
Civilian Casualties and Ground Incursions
The air campaign coincided with illegal incursions in southern Syria. A Syrian civilian, identified as Rami Ahmad Ghanem, was murdered Tuesday in the town of Taranja in Quneitra when an Israeli drone targeted his home.
Residents of Suwaysa in the Quneitra countryside reported that Israeli forces stormed the town after midnight Tuesday, firing indiscriminately into neighborhoods before abducting a young man, Dharar al-Jaryan, taking him to a nearby military post. Witnesses told regional outlets that the raids were carried out in areas devoid of armed groups, heightening fear among civilians.
Damascus Denounces ‘Flagrant Violation’
The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the attacks as a “flagrant violation” of international law and the UN Charter. The ministry said Israel bore full responsibility for the consequences of its “continued policy of aggression,” and reaffirmed Syria’s right to defend its sovereignty by all means recognized under international law.
SANA quoted a government source who said Syrian forces had discovered surveillance devices in the Kiswah area before being targeted by Israeli airstrikes. The source said the raids caused casualties among soldiers and destroyed military vehicles.
Regional Reactions to Violations
The ongoing violations drew condemnation from several Arab states and Turkey. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry denounced the incursions as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and a breach of international legitimacy. Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan issued similar statements, with Amman warning that the attacks represented a dangerous escalation and contravened the 1974 disengagement agreement between Syria and Israel.
Turkey also condemned the strikes “in the strongest terms,” calling them a threat to regional peace and stability. Ankara stressed support for Syria’s sovereignty and urged an end to what it called Israel’s destabilizing actions.
Mounting Concerns Over Regional Stability
Israeli forces have invaded and maintained positions on Mount Hermon and in parts of southern Syria since late 2024, according to Syrian officials. Damascus argues that these operations amount to a de facto occupation of Syrian territory.
The continuation of airstrikes, drone strikes, and incursions has fueled growing concern that Israel’s actions could destabilize an already volatile region. Syria has urged the United Nations Security Council to intervene, while regional governments continue to press for accountability.
