Israeli troops wounded in Syria raid amid internal military criticism

Six Israeli soldiers were wounded during a military operation in southern Syria, drawing internal criticism from senior officers within the Israeli defense establishment. The predawn raid in the village of Beit Jinn, located in the Damascus countryside, left three officers and three reservists injured and resulted in Israeli forces abandoning a military vehicle that was subsequently destroyed by airstrikes to prevent its capture.

The Raid and Subsequent Ambush

According to Israeli media reports, the operation began around 3 am when reservists from the 55th Brigade and 210th Division entered Beit Jinn to arrest two brothers based on recent intelligence. While the suspects were reportedly detained without resistance, gunmen approximately 200 meters away opened fire on an Israeli military vehicle as soldiers were exiting the building with the detainees. The attack wounded six soldiers inside the vehicle, who were later evacuated by helicopter for medical treatment.

Internal Criticism and Broader Context

The incident prompted sharp criticism within Israel's Northern Command, with officers questioning the unit's deployment and expressing concern that the force was surprised by the ambush. Israeli defense officials had not yet determined responsibility for the attack but were considering possibilities including Hamas, Islamic Jihad, or Hezbollah involvement, potentially as retaliation for the recent killing of a Hezbollah commander. The Israeli military has conducted 47 raids in southern Syria during November alone.

Casualties and Regional Impact

Syrian media reported at least 13 fatalities, including women and children, with additional victims potentially trapped under rubble. Dozens of families reportedly fled Beit Jinn following the attack. This incident occurs amid expanded Israeli military operations in southern Syria following recent political changes in the region, with government data indicating over 1,000 airstrikes and 400 cross-border raids since December 2024.