Israeli troops raided former air defense base in Syria amid strikes, sources say

PHOTO CAPTION: Illustrative photo — Israeli service members prepare to board a CH-53 helicopter, Sept. 8, 2024. (Israeli Defense Forces photo)

By Suleiman Al-Khalidi

Israel conducted an airborne landing on a former air defence base in the southwest Damascus countryside during a series of strikes on the area, but withdrew after the landing, two Syrian army sources said on Wednesday.

The air defence base had been used by Iran during the rule of ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. The targets of the strikes - the Kiswa region and the strategic Jabal Manea hilltop - were also among the most significant military outposts used by pro-Iranian militias during the Assad era.

Asked for comment on the strikes, an Israeli military spokesperson said: "We do not comment on foreign reports."

Six Syrian soldiers were killed in Israeli drone strikes in the Damascus countryside near the same area 24 hours earlier, according to Syrian state media. 

Israel has stepped up incursions into southern Syria and the latest strikes coincided with security talks between Damascus and its long-time adversary aimed at reducing tensions.

Another military source said Syria believes equipment was left behind in the area, perhaps by Iranian-backed militias that were entrenched there. The new Syrian army has since established a token presence there. 

The source added there were initial reports of several casualties.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa was attending the opening of a business expo nearly 15 kilometres (9 miles) from the targeted area, one of the Syrian sources added.

 (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Leslie Adler and Edmund Klamann // REUTERS)