Explosions have been reported late Wednesday along the Israel-Syria border in Golan Heights, prompting Israel to activate its emergency sirens just one day after reports of a confrontation between Israeli and Syrian forces.
Both Israel and Syria are reporting what appear to be attacks on their territory.
It appears some of the rockets fired on Syria have been intercepted by the country’s Iron Dome defense system.
3 sources, one near Khan Arnabeh, 2 in Jubatha al-Khashab, are confirming reports of an Israeli strike on a regime position the western outskirts of Hader, a Druze village that houses Hezbollah-affiliated fighters.
Another Quneitra source confirms the interception by Iron Dome.— Elizabeth Tsurkov (@Elizrael) May 9, 2018
The strike marks the first time that the Syrian Army has retaliated against Israel for strikes in Syrian territory.
#Pt. Video showing #Syria|n Regime MRLS bombing #Golan. First time ever direct retaliation for previous #Israel|i strikes. pic.twitter.com/4aK9dHrPPx
— Qalaat Al Mudiq (@QalaatAlMudiq) May 9, 2018
According to local media reports, several shells have reportedly hit the Syrian governate of Quneitra. The shells were reportedly launched from the Israeli-occupied portion of the Golan Heights. Air raid sirens went off in the Israeli-controlled area shortly after the reported strike.
Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports that the Israeli army says air raid sirens have sounded in the Golan Heights shortly after the Syrian state news agency published reports of rocket fire from Israel into southern Syrian just before midnight local time on Wednesday.
Photos and videos of shells being launched into Israel from Syria have begun appearing on social media.
Video of #SAA positions sending projectiles towards #Israel. pic.twitter.com/vfFfIjiT5O
— Strategic Sentinel (@StratSentinel) May 9, 2018
Explosions heard in the Golan but no reports of rockets landing on the Israeli side. Could be Iron Dome interceptions. https://t.co/AAVOAiGtf8
— Anshel Pfeffer (@AnshelPfeffer) May 9, 2018
מג’דל שמס: כך נשמעו לפני זמן קצר האזעקות ביישוב @alonbd pic.twitter.com/0IbkErlBFO
— חדשות עשר (@news10) May 9, 2018
The IDF confirmed that sirens were heard in Golan Heights and that it is “looking into the issue”.
Initial report: A short while ago, sirens sounded in the Golan Regional Council in northern Israel
— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) May 9, 2018
Several sirens sounded in the area of the Golan Heights. The details are being looked into and will be given shortly
— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) May 9, 2018
It’s unclear which side struck first.
#Pt. Several artillery strikes between Hader & #Israel|i fence (infiltration attempt?). Sources report Regime artillery is retaliating (#Golan). pic.twitter.com/QisBmsBt3f
— Qalaat Al Mudiq (@QalaatAlMudiq) May 9, 2018
The IDF has been on high alert in recent days, fearing an attack from Syria. Israel is believed to have carried out a series of deadly airstrikes on Iranian targets in Syria in recent weeks that have killed upwards of ten Iranians.
Meanwhile, as shells are exchanged between Syria and Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Moscow visiting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
After 10 hours together, Netanyahu said he conveyed Israel’s obligation to defend itself against Iranian aggression. “I think that matters were presented in a direct and forthright manner, and this is important. These matters are very important to Israel’s security at all times and especially at this time,” he said.
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