The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) struck “military targets” in southern Syria on Wednesday, the army press office said in a statement.Â
The military noted that over the past few hours, Israel struck military targets in southern Syria, among them command centres and numerous weapons facilities.
“The presence of military assets in southern Syria poses a threat to the citizens of Israel. The IDF will continue to act to eliminate any threat to the citizens of the State of Israel,” the statement said.
According to media reports, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the strikes in southern Syria following reports of explosions in several areas south of Damascus. He warned that Israel “will not allow southern Syria to turn into southern Lebanon.”
The attacks came after several Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanded the demilitarisation of southern Syria in recent days and warned that Israel would not allow the Syrian army to advance south of Damascus.
“We will not jeopardise the security of our citizens. Any attempt by the forces of the Syrian regime and the country’s terrorist organisations to gain a foothold in the security zone in southern Syria will be met with fire,” Katz said.
