Israel hits 'numerous Syrian army posts' in the southwest
The Israeli air force hit stations in Damascus, causing extensive damage. Response to Syrian drone crossing into Israeli territory. Navigation on Tiberias lake blocked. Government offensive underway in area against an Islamic State stronghold.
Damascus (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Israel has launched a series of missiles that have hit Syrian army outposts in the south-west of the country, where a Damascus offensive against the Islamic State is under way (IS, ex ISIS). According to the Syrian state agency Sana, the attack took place late yesterday afternoon from the Israli occupied Golan Heights.
"The Israeli enemy air force - the note explains - has launched missiles on several army posts" in the area of Quneitra, in the south-west, causing heavy material damage. The Israeli army also confirmed the operation, in response "to the infiltration of an unmanned aerial vehicle [drone] into Israel from Syria".
At first the Syrian media had spoken of "rejected attack" in the region, disproving the hypothesis of damage or material consequences. As for the Syrian drone that trespassed in Israeli territory, it was without weapons and its goal was to gather information. For security reasons, the police have blocked navigation on Lake Tiberias.
Since the beginning of July, the Israeli army has strengthened its presence on the Golan Heights and launched a series of targeted attacks across the border; targeting convoys of weapons and supplies for the Hezbollah Lebanese Shiite militias.
Meanwhile, the offensive launched in recent days by the Syrian army and its Russian ally against an enclave of the Islamic State in the south-west continues. Local activists and witnesses recount intense bombing in the Yarmouk Basin area, which borders on Jordan and the Israel-controlled Golan Heights. The jihadist militia responded by counterattacking some villages in the area.
In recent weeks, the government has regained most of the province of Dera, tearing it from the control of various rebel factions. Last week some groups agreed to surrender, delivering their weapons in return for a safe escape route. In the meantime at least 320 thousand civilians have returned to their homes. The ceasefire does not include Isis militiamen.
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