Israeli Fighters Bombard Southern Damascus

Syrian media and security sources reported that Israeli warplanes bombed a town in southern Damascus as well as the Daraa province. According to Syrian state television, Israeli fighters targeted the town of Al-Kisweh, located about 20 kilometers south of the capital, on the evening of Tuesday, March 7. Reuters also cited Syrian security sources stating that a military base was targeted in this attack. Reports also indicated Israeli airstrikes on a town in the southern province of Daraa. The Israeli army later announced in a statement that it had attacked military targets in southern Syria, including weapons depots. Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the air force launched a significant attack in southern Syria as part of a new policy aimed at establishing calm in the region. He emphasized, 'Our message is clear. We will not allow southern Syria to become like southern Lebanon.' He added, 'Any attempt by Syrian regime forces and terrorist organizations to establish a presence in the southern security zone will be met with our fire.' These bombings occurred shortly after Syria condemned the Israeli military incursion into its southern region and called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime by rebel groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Israel has moved its forces up to the UN-monitored demilitarized zone in Syria. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that Israel would not tolerate the presence of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham or any forces linked to the new rulers of the country in southern Syria and called for the demilitarization of the area.