Conflict in the Middle East has taken another deadly turn. Recent Israeli drone strikes near Damascus killed six Syrian soldiers and left the region facing renewed tension. This event has raised serious concerns not only about the ongoing hostility between Israel and Syria but also about how these clashes could affect the fragile peace process being discussed under international mediation.
Deadly Strike Near Kiswah
The strike took place near the town of Kiswah, south of Damascus. According to Syrian state media, Israeli drones targeted a military site belonging to Syria’s 44th Division. The attack destroyed a building and killed six soldiers who were stationed there.
Syrian forces claimed that surveillance equipment had been discovered at the site earlier. Some believe this may have triggered the Israeli strike. The attack also prevented reinforcements from reaching the area quickly, leaving soldiers trapped until the following day. For the families of those who died, the news brought grief and anger.
Syrian Government Calls It a Violation of Law
Syria quickly condemned the attack. The Foreign Ministry accused Israel of violating Syria’s sovereignty and breaking international law. Damascus has repeatedly argued that these attacks are part of a larger strategy to destabilize the country and prevent it from recovering after years of civil war.
The Syrian government has now called on the United Nations Security Council to take action. It says Israel’s strikes not only kill soldiers but also disrupt daily life and put civilians at risk, especially in the southern regions near the Golan Heights.
Growing Pattern of Israeli Strikes in Syria
This was not an isolated incident. Over the past year, Israel has carried out hundreds of air and drone strikes inside Syria. These attacks often target military bases, weapons depots, radar systems, and air defense units.
In December, Israeli forces expanded their operations by taking control of areas in the Golan Heights’ buffer zone. These actions have been linked to Israel’s strategy of preventing weapons transfers to Hezbollah and stopping groups aligned with Iran from gaining influence near its borders.
For many Syrians, however, the strikes are seen as a constant reminder that the war is far from over. Even after the fall of the Assad regime last year, the violence has not ended. Instead, new layers of conflict have emerged.
Israel Defends Its Actions as Security Measures
Israel, on the other hand, insists that the strikes are necessary. Officials argue that the drone attacks are carried out to protect Israeli citizens living near the Golan Heights and to stop hostile groups from building a presence close to its borders.
A senior Israeli official stated that protecting the Druze community, which has deep cultural ties to Israel, is also a priority. Since the deadly Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, Israeli security operations have intensified. Many in Israel view pre-emptive strikes as the only way to ensure the safety of their people.
The strike near Damascus highlights just how fragile peace in the Middle East remains. Israel argues it is protecting itself from threats, while Syria accuses Israel of aggression and law-breaking. The truth is that both sides are locked in a dangerous cycle of action and retaliation.
