Israel Dismantles Turkish Surveillance Devices Near Damascus

Israeli forces conducted a covert operation near Damascus, Syria, dismantling Turkish surveillance devices that had been embedded in Syrian military bases for over a decade. The operation involved special forces deployed by helicopters and supported by Israeli fighter jets, allowing them to search and confiscate what Israeli officials described as secret and sensitive equipment intended for espionage against Israel. Israeli officials warned the new Syrian government against aligning with Turkey, characterizing such actions as "playing with fire" and cautioning Damascus not to test Israel's military patience. The Israeli Defense Minister emphasized ongoing security operations across multiple fronts to protect Israel. Syria confirmed the Israeli strikes and acknowledged that the surveillance systems had been in place for many years, while Israeli sources indicated the operation was planned over several weeks. The strikes and ground activities occurred amid heightened tensions involving the Druze minority in southern Syria, with Israel signaling it would respond to any threats against this community.