Israeli tanks near Damascus following airstrikes on Syrian military bases
IDF forces seen entering Syria, in a handout photo issued by the military on December 9, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)
Israeli tanks have reportedly advanced close to the Syrian capital, Damascus, following a significant military operation in southern Syria, according to three security sources cited by Reuters.
Sources indicate that Israeli forces have penetrated approximately 16 miles southwest of Damascus, reaching Qatana, a location six miles into Syrian territory east of the demilitarized zone separating the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria.
This follows Israel’s seizure of a buffer zone in southern Syria and airstrikes targeting Syrian army installations overnight.
Earlier reports highlighted that Israeli planes bombed at least three major Syrian army bases, described by two Syrian security sources as housing dozens of helicopters and jets.
The strikes are reportedly the most extensive assault on airbases since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), however, have denied these claims to Sky News, maintaining ambiguity over the reported military incursion.
This development comes amid escalating regional tensions, with Israel’s strikes across Syria aimed at neutralizing threats from military assets and fortifications.
