Syria Accuses Israel of War Crimes Following Deadly Military Operation in Beit Jinn
On Friday, the Syrian Foreign Ministry released a statement condemning an Israeli military operation in Beit Jinn, a town in the Damascus countryside, which it characterized as a "criminal incursion". The ministry asserted that the bombardment constituted a "complete war crime".
The operation, carried out early Friday, reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 13 individuals, according to Syrian officials. The Foreign Ministry's statement condemned the actions of the Israeli military as a severe attack on Syrian sovereignty.
Local media, citing Syrian TV sources, reported that Israeli helicopters and artillery targeted the town, leading to civilian casualties. The operation coincided with clashes between Israeli forces and local residents, resulting in the arrest of three young men. Following the operation, many residents fled to nearby villages.
Israeli military sources defended the operation, stating it aimed to apprehend individuals linked to threats against Israeli citizens. An army statement indicated that the operation was executed by the 55th Reserve Brigade, which targeted suspects based on intelligence reports. The Israeli military claimed that its forces faced gunfire during the operation and responded accordingly, resulting in injuries among their personnel.
In terms of humanitarian impact, the Syrian Civil Defense reported significant challenges for rescue teams attempting to reach the injured. As of Friday morning, emergency teams had not been able to enter Beit Jinn due to fears of unexploded ordnance and ongoing Israeli military activity, which they claimed hindered their efforts and endangered civilian lives.
This incident highlights ongoing regional tensions, with Israel frequently conducting military operations in Syria, which it justifies as necessary for national security, while Syrian authorities label these actions as aggressive incursions leading to civilian casualties.
