Syria says Israeli drone attack kills 6 soldiers near Damascus

Syria says Israeli drone attack kills 6 soldiers near Damascus

Syria has reported that six of its soldiers were killed in an Israeli drone strike near Damascus, according to state-run El Ekhbariya TV. The attack occurred in the Damascus countryside, specifically in the area of al-Kiswah, early on Wednesday [1].

This latest incident comes amidst ongoing tensions between Syria and Israel, with both countries engaged in US-mediated talks aimed at easing tensions in southern Syria. The talks are part of broader efforts to stabilize the region and potentially open the door to wider political negotiations [2].

Following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime last December, Israel has launched numerous strikes targeting military sites and assets across Syria. These strikes have been part of a broader strategy by Israel to prevent the spread of Iranian influence in the region and to protect its interests [1].

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has been deployed to nine posts inside southern Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, mostly within a UN-patrolled buffer zone on the border between the countries. The IDF has been operating in areas up to around 15 kilometers deep into Syria, aiming to capture weapons that Israel says could pose a threat to the country if they fall into the hands of "hostile forces" [2].

The Syrian government has accused Israel of establishing intelligence facilities and military posts in demilitarized areas to advance its "expansionist and partition plans." Syria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Asaad al-Shaibani, has also accused Israel of violating the 1974 disengagement agreement by expanding its occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights [1].

Despite these accusations, Israel has not officially commented on the latest drone strike. The IDF has maintained that its actions in Syria are aimed at preventing the proliferation of weapons that could be used against Israel [2].

The ongoing conflict in Syria has significant implications for the regional economy and geopolitical stability. As the situation continues to evolve, investors and financial professionals should closely monitor developments to assess potential impacts on regional markets and global financial stability.

References:
[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/26/six-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-israeli-strikes-near-damascus-state-media
[2] https://www.timesofisrael.com/six-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-israeli-drone-strike-near-damascus-state-tv/