Kathmandu— An Israeli drone strike in southwestern Syria injured multiple individuals on Saturday, according to reports from the Syrian foreign ministry and local media outlets. The incident occurred near the town of Beit Jinn in the western Damascus countryside, marking the latest in a series of frequent Israeli incursions into the region. Israel’s military confirmed the strike, claiming it targeted an individual preparing terror attacks, while Syria denounced it as a violation of its sovereignty and international law.

Details of the Attack

Syria's Alikhbariya channel reported that a man was wounded when an Israeli drone struck his truck near Beit Jinn. Residents stated the victim is a civilian driver who delivers goods in the area, with neighbors rushing him to a hospital where he is reportedly in stable condition with a hand injury. Correspondent Adham Abu al-Hussam noted residents had observed increased Israeli reconnaissance drone activity over the region for four days prior to the strike.

Israeli Justification

The Israeli military released a statement asserting that the target was “a terrorist who advanced terror attacks in their final stages of preparation” and posed an immediate threat. This justification follows a similar rationale used after a recent strike on Abu al-Duhur military airport in Idlib province, where Israel sought to prevent a Turkish military presence.

Syrian Response and Security Concerns

Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates strongly condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation” of Syrian sovereignty and a breach of international law. Muhsen al-Mustafa, a security researcher at the Omran Center for Strategic Studies in Damascus, suggested the strike could be intended as a message to the Syrian government, indicating Israel views southern Syria as a ‘security zone.’ He also noted that Israel’s actions suggest this security zone may extend beyond the south, even reaching areas like Abu al-Duhur airport. A Syrian diplomatic source indicated ongoing efforts towards de-escalation and a security arrangement with Israel through US mediation based on a 1974 agreement.

Damascus continues to pursue a security arrangement with Israel via United States mediation, building upon the foundation of the 1974 disengagement agreement. The situation remains tense as Israeli strikes continue in Syrian territory.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.