Syria: Clashes leave 38 casualties in Damascus countryside; 13 Israeli soldiers injured

DAMASCUS, Nov. 28 (YPA) – Hebrew media reported on Friday that at least 13 Israeli soldiers were wounded, including three in critical condition, after their unit came under close-range gunfire in the town of Beit Jinn in western rural Damascus, southern Syria.

According to the reports, several Israeli soldiers withdrew from the town following the outbreak of armed clashes, leaving behind a Humvee vehicle, which the Israeli Air Force later destroyed to prevent it from being seized.

Hebrew media outlets added that the military is continuing sweep operations in the area where the confrontation occurred, while ground forces work to reinforce their presence.

They also noted that Israeli aircraft were unable to carry out direct strikes because of the close proximity between Israeli troops and the gunmen during the exchange of fire.

On the other hand, at least 13 people, including children, have been killed and 25 were injured early Friday in the village of Beit Jin, in the southwestern countryside of Damascus, following an Israeli attack that included a military incursion, Syrian local sources reported.

They added that Israeli reconnaissance drones continue to fly over the area.

According to the sources, the airstrike occurred after an Israeli military patrol reportedly entered the town of Beit Jinn and besieged it, triggering intense clashes between Israeli occupation forces and local residents.

Earlier reports said Israeli forces had withdrawn from the town and taken positions on Bat al-Warda hill on its outskirts.

Israeli military incursions have become more brazen, more frequent and more violent since Israel expanded its occupation of southern Syria following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

@E.Y.M