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Syrian air defenses shot down two drones over the western outskirts of the capital, Damascus, on February 9, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency reported, citing a military official.
The drone came from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, the unnamed official said, without providing any further details.
A video posted to social networks showed trails of white smoke, presumably from anti-aircraft missiles, over Damascus. Blasts were also heard near the Mezzeh Military Airport in the western outskirts of the capital, where air defense systems are known to be deployed.
The incident marked the first time Syria has announced the downing of Israeli aircraft since the outbreak of the war in the Palestinian Gaza Strip which led to a wave of escalation and clashes in different parts of the Middle East.
Israel has significantly escalated its attacks on Syria since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, targeting mainly sites and personnel of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated forces.
Recent Israeli attacks on the war-torn country resulted in many casualties, including civilians. Earlier this week, seven people were killed and at least 13 others were wounded when a series of Israeli strikes hit the central governorate of Homs.
Despite taking losses, Syria has largely refrained from responding to Israel’s repeated attacks in an attempt to avoid a dangerous confrontation.
