IDF Clashes With Gunmen in Southern Syria

Latest Developments

Israeli Troops Attacked: IDF troops operating in southern Syria were attacked near the Israeli border on March 25. The IDF said that the soldiers were fired upon by at least seven gunmen, forcing a response that included the use of tanks and drones. Syrian officials reported six people killed in the clashes. The IDF has launched an ongoing investigation to establish which faction the attackers were affiliated with.
Former Assad Airbases Targeted: Earlier, the IDF said that it struck the Tadmur military airbase and the T-4 airbase in the Homs province in central Syria. The IDF said the strikes were intended to remove “remaining military capabilities” after having targeted the same two bases on March 22. Both were frequently targeted by Israel during the rule of former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad for facilitating the transfer of Iranian weapons to Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon. The IDF also revealed that its Paratroopers Brigade and elite Yahalom combat engineering unit carried out several raids against weapons storage sites in southern Syria over the past few weeks.
EU Minister Cautions Against Escalation: During a joint press conference with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned Israel that its actions in Syria could lead to “further escalation.” She added that the European Union believes “these things are unnecessary, because Syria is right now not attacking Israel.”

FDD Expert Response

“The October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack reshaped Israel’s approach to potential threats along its borders and beyond. As a result, security challenges in Syria remain a top concern for decision-makers in Jerusalem. In recent months, Israel has demonstrated that it views the Syrian government as a serious threat — perhaps even more so than during Bashar al-Assad’s rule. Another security concern is that a hostile Turkey is replacing Iran’s foothold in Syria. This change in dynamic raises the risk of military friction between Israel and Turkey, further complicating the region’s security landscape.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“Interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is still struggling to establish control in southern Syria, a region that troubled Israel during Assad’s rule as a hub for weapons, drug smuggling, and Iran-backed militias. To avoid being perceived as a threat, al-Sharaa must consistently signal to Israel that he poses no danger and ensure that terrorists cannot use his territory to launch attacks against Israel or its armed forces.” — Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst