Syrian air defenses successfully intercepted two drones west of Damascus on Friday, according to state media. A military source reported that the drones had approached from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights to the west of the Syrian capital. The Israeli military, maintaining its standard policy, refrained from commenting on reports in foreign media.
Earlier, Syrian state media had indicated that air defenses were engaged in responding to “hostile targets” in the vicinity of Damascus. Israeli airstrikes in the region since December have resulted in the deaths of more than half a dozen Revolutionary Guards, including a high-ranking intelligence general.
In a separate military action, the US conducted airstrikes earlier this month in Syria and Iraq, targeting over 85 locations linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and the militias it supports. This retaliation was in response to a January attack in Jordan that claimed the lives of three U.S. troops.
The Revolutionary Guards, a key Iranian military force, have faced increased challenges in Syria, with both the United States and Israel carrying out strikes against Iran-backed militias in the country. Sources suggest that the Guards have withdrawn some senior officers in response to the heightened tensions.
Despite this, Iran’s ambassador to Syria asserted on Thursday that Iran remains “present” in Syria. Iran’s foreign minister is expected to visit Lebanon on Friday and Damascus early next week for meetings with top officials.
