At least 10 people were killed and many others wounded during an Israeli operation in southern Syria early Friday, according to Syrian state media. The Israeli military confirmed that five of its soldiers were injured, including three critically, during intense clashes in the village of Beit Jinn.
What began as a routine Israeli raid reportedly escalated into one of the deadliest cross-border incidents since President Bashar al-Assad was ousted a year ago.
Israel Says Troops Came Under Fire During Operation
The Israeli military said its overnight mission targeted suspected members of Jaama Islamiya, a militant organization it accuses of planting explosive devices and preparing future attacks, including potential rocket launches toward Israel.
According to the Israeli statement, troops attempting to detain suspects came under heavy gunfire, prompting them to return fire with ground forces supported by aerial units.
“A number of terrorists were eliminated,” the statement read.
Syrian Media: Children Among Those Killed
Syria’s state news agency, SANA, reported that two children were among the dead. The attack, it said, occurred around 3:40 a.m., when Israeli forces shelled the village before entering Beit Jinn on the ground.
Local officials told SANA that residents confronted the troops, triggering what they described as “violent clashes”.
Dozens were reportedly treated for injuries in nearby health facilities.
Both Israeli authorities and a local Syrian official confirmed that two people were arrested during the operation.
Rising Tensions in Southern Syria
Israel has conducted regular incursions into southern Syria, saying its objective is to prevent militant buildup near its border. The Israeli government has also voiced concern over Syria’s new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander whose rise to power reshaped regional dynamics.
Israel insists it wants the area bordering its territory to remain demilitarized, citing security threats posed by various armed groups operating in the region.
Humanitarian and Political Fallout
SANA described Friday’s attack as one of the most severe incidents since Assad’s fall, raising fears of renewed instability in the frontier region. The destruction shown in early images — including shattered homes and a wrecked kitchen — highlighted the rapidly deteriorating conditions for civilians caught in the crossfire.
Sharaa’s government, however, maintains that Syria poses “no threat to any country” and accuses Israel of escalating tensions unnecessarily.
Israel’s Expanded Presence Inside Syria
Since Assad’s ouster, Israel has increased its military footprint inside Syria, moving troops and equipment beyond the 1974 buffer zone and into several strategic positions, including Mount Hermon. Previous interventions were largely focused on protecting Druze communities during local conflicts in Sweida and surrounding areas.
The latest incident has amplified international concern over the fragile security situation in southern Syria — and the potential for further escalation as both sides harden their positions.
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