An Israeli military operation in southwestern Syria early Thursday led to violent confrontations and significant casualties, according to reports from the region.
Local health authorities in Syria reported that 13 Syrians were killed during the incident in the village of Beit Jinn. The casualties are said to include a number of children. The Israeli military confirmed that six of its soldiers sustained injuries during the engagement, with three listed in serious condition.
The operation began before dawn when Israeli ground forces entered the village. Syrian media outlets reported that the military action was met with armed resistance from local residents, resulting in intense ground fighting. In support of its troops, the Israeli military deployed helicopter, artillery, and air strikes in the area surrounding the village.
Official Syrian news sources characterized the event as a "criminal attack" and stated that the violence caused numerous families to evacuate from nearby areas, contributing to the ongoing issue of displacement in southern Syria.
Israel has conducted numerous cross-border operations in this region in recent years. The Israeli government states that these actions target factions it identifies as being connected to armed organizations hostile to Israel.