Israel has declared war on the promise of a strong, democratic Syria
Al JazeeraJAN 19
Israeli Strike in Syria Kills 3, Including Security Forces
Above: Members of a local rebel militia ride in their vehicle during a patrol in Syria's southern city of Sweida on Dec. 29, 2024. Image copyright: Bakr al-Kasem/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
An Israeli drone strike targeted a military convoy near the village of Ghadir al-Bustan in southern Syria on Wednesday, killing three people including the village leader Abdo al-Koumeh and two security personnel.
The attack marks the first Israeli strike targeting the security forces of Syria's new authorities since the fall of the Syrian government last month. The strike occurred near the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in 1967.
Syrian security forces were conducting weapons inspections in civilian homes when the strike occurred, while Israeli military claimed it identified armed vehicles maneuvering near the buffer zone and fired warning shots.
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
The Israeli military's actions are defensive measures necessary to protect its border and prevent weapons falling into the wrong hands. The strikes were warning shots aimed at vehicles carrying weapons near the buffer zone, and the convoy dispersed after the warning.
Anti-Israel narrative
Israel is exploiting Syria's political transition to expand its territorial control of the occupied-Golan Heights and destabilize the new government. The military convoy was conducting legitimate weapons inspections in civilian areas when it was targeted, and the attack represents an unjustified aggression.
Public Figures
The Controversies
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