Israeli incursion in Damascus countryside kills 9 Syrians: State media

According to state media reports that several Israeli soldiers were injured in clashes while another incursion by Israel into Syrian territory, including 12 children, was being carried out in the Damascus countryside.

Two children were among the victims of the Israeli dawn raid and strikes, which forced hundreds of families to flee Beit Jinn to nearby, safer locales, according to Syrian state media on Friday.

Israeli drones continue to hover over the area, according to the report.

The Israeli military continues to target any movement, according to the Syrian Civil Defense, and their teams were unable to enter Beit Jinn to help the injured.

Since Israel’s occupation of southern Syria expanded after President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December 2024, its military incursions have become more brutal, more frequent, and more violent.

Local sources also confirmed to Al Jazeera on Friday that Israeli missile and artillery strikes on Beit Jinn resulted in the deaths of several Syrians and their injuries.

Following the incursion, there were verbal altercations between the residents and the occupying Israeli force.

The Israeli military claimed that three of its soldiers had been seriously injured in an exchange of fire, according to a statement posted on X.

According to reports, an Israeli force that had entered the Syrian village of Beit Jinn was surrounded, prompting air strikes and artillery shelling to expel it and compel its retreat, according to Israeli news outlet Yedioth Ahronoth. Numerous Syrians were killed and others were injured as a result of this.

After an Israeli force entered the town, an Israeli military helicopter exchanged fire.

Israeli bombings, kidnappings, and incursions in Syria

In the Golan Heights and Damascus countryside governorates, the Israeli army frequently launches ground incursions into Syrian territory.

Since Israel expanded its occupation of southern Syria in December 2024, Israeli military incursions have become more brutal, more frequent, and violent.

Following the 1967 conflict, Israel seized control of the Syrian Golan Heights and has held it ever since. However, Israel violated a 1974 agreement by occupying more land along the border as a “buffer zone,” including the strategically important summit of Jabal al-Sheikh, and then again invaded its neighbor’s territory.

Prior to the fall of al-Assad, a ally of its regional adversary Iran, Israel was already bombing Syria. However, Israel has increased its bombing activity and increased the number of strikes this year, including those in Damascus, which has resulted in the deaths of several Syrian soldiers and hitting the Ministry of Defense, as opposed to trying to take a new direction with Syria.

Damascus was in anger after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared with Israeli troops in an illegally occupied area of southern Syria earlier this month, which added to the uncertainty surrounding a security deal that could be reached.

Despite receiving support from the United States, Netanyahu’s visit signaled that he is not intending to change from his hardline position on Syria.

The Israeli military has established checkpoints, patrols, and even gates across Quneitra province. Some are abducted, while others are stopped and searched by police.

Syrian authorities and human rights organizations refer to these incidents as abductions or unlawful arrests, as they are described by Israel as security operations. In recent weeks, up to 40 people have reportedly been detained.