IDF strikes Syria terrorist planning IED attack on troops
Israel’s military struck an armed terrorist in southwestern Syria after identifying him as an immediate threat while he prepared an improvised explosive device attack against Israeli troops, the IDF said.
The strike took place near Beit Jinn, about 10 kilometers, or 6 miles, from the Israeli border. The IDF said preparations for the attack were in their final stages. Syrian state television and other media reported that a vehicle was hit and one person was wounded.
The operation came as Israel separately disclosed details about strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur military air base, where Israeli officials said they acted to prevent a planned Turkish military deployment.
According to Kan News, Israeli intelligence showed Turkey planned to station troops, radar equipment and air defense systems at the base. Israel shared the intelligence with the United States.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Syrian officials were warned at the highest levels and given an opportunity to stop the deployment before Israel took military action. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said Syria had been warned in advance.
Katz said the decision followed consultations with Netanyahu, the IDF and other Israeli security officials.
The two operations involved separate developments in Syria. The Beit Jinn strike targeted a terrorist preparing an attack on Israeli troops, while the Abu al-Duhur operation was aimed at preventing Turkey from establishing a military presence at the base.
