FILE IMAGE: REUTERS
On October 5, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) destroyed 3 artillery cannons belonging to the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) in the area near the Gholan Heights in southern Syria.
The IDF claimed in an official statement that the attack was a response to “5 projectiles” launched at the Israeli-held part of the heights from Syria.
The IDF added that “any future occurrences will force the IDF to intensify its response.”
Early this morning, 5 projectiles were launched at the N Golan Heights from Syria. In response, the IDF targeted 3 Syrian artillery cannons
— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) 21 October 2017
The IDF holds the Syrian regime responsible & won’t tolerate any attempt to breach Israeli sovereignty or threaten Israeli civilians’ safety
— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) 21 October 2017
On October 19, the IDF usesd a Spike missile to destory a SAA artillery piece in the same area. The attack was also justified by a “projectile” that allegedly landed in the Gholan Heights.
According to Syrian experts, the IDF is stepping up its attacks against the SAA in southern Syria as govenrment forces achieve more successes in the battle against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra, the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda) and its allies in the area. Earlier this week, government forces attacked terrorists near Beit Jinn town.
However, it’s interesting to note that the IDF has not used its warplanes to attack the SAA in southern Syria since the Syrian missile launch at Israeli warplanes at the Syrian-Lebanese border.
