Israeli forces carried out a rare overnight commando raid near Damascus, Syrian state media reported Thursday. The site, previously bombed twice this week, was once a Syrian and Iranian military base at Tal Maneh.
According to Syrian sources, dozens of Israeli troops landed by helicopter on a strategic hilltop southwest of Damascus, operating for two hours before withdrawing. Fighter jets also participated.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the target housed Hezbollah weapons. If confirmed, this would mark Israel’s first ground raid in Syria since the Assad regime collapsed in December 2024.
The operation comes as Israel and Syria engage in US-mediated talks on reducing tensions in southern Syria. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces are acting “day and night for the security of Israel.”
Damascus condemned the attacks as violations of international law, while Israel declined comment.
