The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed an engagement with “several terrorists” who opened fire on Israeli troops from southern Syria on the morning of March 25, according to a press release. 

IDF forces returned fire, with the Israel Air Force conducting targeted strikes in the region, resulting in confirmed hits on terror targets within Syrian territory as the military continues to solidify positions beyond the occupied Golan Heights area into the Damascus countryside.

“This morning (March 25), IDF troops identified several terrorists who opened fire toward them in southern Syria. The troops returned fire in response, and the IAF struck the terrorists. Hits were identified,” the IDF confirmed on its Telegram account.

Local Syrian reports cited by The Jerusalem Post claimed Israeli forces launched a ground advance toward the village of Kuwaya, located west of Daraa in southern Syria. According to those reports, Israeli troops encountered resistance during the operation, responding with shellfire and airstrikes that allegedly killed four Syrians and prompted local evacuations.

Social media in Syria reported two Israeli airstrikes on Palmyra military airport in central Syria, coming at the same time as a total blackout in internet connectivity in the country, according to Netblocks.

Syrian media has not reported on the confrontation but noted that other countries in the region, including Jordan, have condemned the Israeli incursion. 

This incident comes amid intensified IDF operations across Syria over the past week as it continues to make headway into traditional Syrian territory.

Earlier, on March 25, the military announced that it had targeted remaining military assets near the Tadmor and T4 military bases in Syria, continuing a series of strikes aimed at eliminating security threats to Israel.

The latest clashes represent an escalation in cross-border tensions as Israel continues operations aimed at neutralising potential threats emanating from Syrian territory.

While several Arab nations expressed their disapproval of Israel’s involvement in Syria, the latest cross-border exchange indicates that Israel’s priority appears to be lying in its national security interests rather than appeasing regional neighbours in a diplomatic sense.