Read on PBS NewsIsraeli Forces Raid Syrian Village, Killing at Least 13 in Deadly Confrontation
Israeli forces conducted a military raid on the Syrian village of Beit Jin, resulting in at least 13 fatalities according to Syrian officials. The incident occurred when Israeli troops entered the village aiming to apprehend suspects and opened heavy fire after being confronted by residents. The Syrian Foreign Ministry described the attack as a 'horrific massacre' with women and children among the dead, while Israel stated the operation targeted militants planning attacks. This represents the deadliest Israeli attack since troops seized southern Syrian territory a year ago.
Israeli military forces conducted a raid on the Syrian village of Beit Jin that resulted in significant casualties, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. According to Syrian officials and local residents, the operation led to at least 13 fatalities and prompted dozens of families to flee the area amid heavy fighting.
The Raid and Confrontation
The Syrian state news agency SANA reported that Israeli forces entered Beit Jin with the stated objective of seizing local men. When confronted by residents, the troops responded with heavy fire, escalating the situation into a deadly confrontation. According to PBS NewsHour reporting, the incident occurred around 3 a.m. when troops moved into the village and were met with what residents described as 'slight resistance, with light weapons.'
Conflicting Accounts and Casualties
Syrian officials characterized the attack as a 'horrific massacre,' stating that women and children were among those killed. Local official Walid Okasha told The Associated Press that all those killed were civilians, including a man, his wife, his two children, his brother, and another man who had married the day before the raid. Israel provided a different account, stating the operation targeted suspects from the Jamaa Islamiya militant group who were allegedly planning IED and rocket attacks into Israel.
Military Response and Regional Context
Israel reported that militants opened fire at their troops, injuring six soldiers, and that troops returned fire while bringing in air support. The military stated that all suspects were apprehended and a number of militants were killed during the operation. This incident represents the deadliest Israeli attack since Israeli troops seized a swath of southern Syria a year ago, following the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in December 2024.
International Reactions and Ongoing Tensions
The Syrian government condemned the raid as a violation of Syria's sovereignty and called for the international community to take 'urgent action' to halt Israeli incursions. This incident occurs amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Syria's new government, headed by former insurgent leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. The two countries, which lack diplomatic relations, have been negotiating a potential security agreement to de-escalate tensions in the region.
