A Syrian military source told the international media that four helicopters inserted Israeli soldiers who rappelled onto a military post near Kiswa. Dozens of troops carrying search equipment combed the area for more than two hours before withdrawing. There were no immediate reports of direct clashes between the Israeli force and Syrian units during the landing, the source added.
The landing came after state-run Al Ekhbariya TV cited two Syrian army sources as saying Israel struck a former army barracks in the Kiswa area. Shams TV, a Syrian outlet, reported a non-final estimate of nine Syrian soldiers killed and others wounded in the bombardment. The casualty figures could not be independently verified.
According to Israeli media, Israel's military declined to comment on the reports. "We do not comment on foreign reports," an IDF spokesperson said. Without confirming specific operations, Defense Minister Israel Katz wrote on X/Twitter Thursday morning: "Our forces are operating on all fronts, day and night, for the security of Israel."
One Syrian source said the targeted site had been an air defense base that Iran used during the rule of the ousted Syrian leader, Bashar al‑Assad. The same source and state media noted that positions in the broader Kiswa region and on the strategic Jabal Manea hilltop have historically served as key outposts for Iran-aligned militias. Another military source said Damascus believes equipment may have been left behind in the area by Iranian-backed groups, while the reconstituted Syrian army maintains only a token presence there. Initial internal reports pointed to several casualties from the strikes, the source said.
Syrian officials said Interim President al‑Sharaa was at the opening of a business expo roughly 15 kilometers (nine miles) from the targeted site around the time of the strikes and landing. There was no indication he was a target, but the proximity underscored the risk of escalation around the capital.
The operation near Kiswa is the latest sign of Israel expanding ground and air activity in southern Syria. The IDF has publicized previous operations in the region, including in the Mount Hermon area in December 2024 and along the south front in August 2025. Israeli strikes in recent years have focused on curbing the entrenchment and weapons transfers of Iran and allied militias across Syria.
Regional media reported that Thursday's actions coincided with security talks between Damascus and its long-time adversary aimed at reducing tensions, even as both sides continued to posture militarily. Neither Syria nor Israel publicly acknowledged such negotiations in connection with the latest events.
Photo: The Jerusalem Post