Israel confirms ground operation in Syria, seizes alleged Iranian network operative
People gather by damaged vehicles at the site of a reported Israeli airstrike on a residential building in the Mazzeh suburb on the western outskirts of Damascus, Syria, October 8, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Israel revealed Sunday it had conducted a special ground operation in Syria “in recent months,” marking the first public acknowledgment of Israeli troops operating inside Syrian territory during the current conflict.
In a statement, the Israeli military said it captured a Syrian citizen allegedly involved with Iranian-backed networks during the raid. The man, identified as Ali Soleiman al-Assi, is accused of gathering intelligence on Israeli army positions along the border. He was transferred to Israel for interrogation.
The Israeli military claimed al-Assi’s arrest “prevented a future attack” and exposed the operational methods of Iranian-linked groups near the Golan Heights.
Syria did not immediately respond to the announcement.
Israel has conducted multiple airstrikes in Syria over the past year, targeting members of Hezbollah and Iranian officials, but this is the first time Israel has publicly confirmed a ground operation.
