IDF strikes Syrian military targets in response to stray fire into Israel
For second time in two days apparent errant fire from civil war in Syria lands in Israeli territory.
By YAAKOV LAPPINUpdated: SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 00:15Smoke rises following an explosion on the Syrian side near the Quneitra border crossing between the Golan Heights and Syria, August 29, 2014.(photo credit: REUTERS)
Cross-border fire originating from Assad regime army positions resulted in Israeli retaliatory fire on Sunday.The Syrian projectile exploded in an unpopulated area of the northern Golan Heights, causing no injuries or damage.No warning sirens went off as the projectile’s trajectory did not threaten built-up areas, the IDF said. It was the second incident of stray Syrian cross-border fire in two days.Soon afterwards, the IDF artillery struck two Assad regime artillery posts.Citing the Lebanon-based Al-Mayadeen television station, Israel Radio reported that a Syrian deputy battalion commander suffered moderate wounds from the Israeli fire.The report said Israel fired four missiles at an artillery battalion that belongs to Division 90 of the regime’s army in Quneitra.“The IDF holds the Syrian military responsible for all events stemming from its territory and will not tolerate any attempt to harm Israel’s sovereignty and the safety of its residents,” the IDF said following the return fire.Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon said Syrian civil war battles were behind the stray fire into Israel on Saturday and Sunday. “From our perspective this is a violation of sovereignty and a crossing of a red line. The State of Israel has no intention of ignoring such incidents, and the IDF therefore attacked two Syrian army artillery positions this evening,” Ya’alon said.“We view the Syrian regime and its army as being responsible for what happens in their territory and we will not be tolerant in cases such as these,” the defense minister said.On Saturday, the IDF did not respond after a Syrian shell exploded in the northern Golan Heights.
