Media: Israeli tanks advance near Damascus

Israeli tanks have moved beyond the established buffer zone along the border with Syria, positioning themselves approximately 20 kilometres from Damascus, as tensions in the region continue to escalate. 

The tanks are currently stationed just 3 kilometres from the town of Qatna, a suburb of the Syrian capital, with reports indicating that Israeli forces have also taken under control several towns and villages in southern Damascus, including Aarna, Bakasm, Reemeh, Hina, Qala, Jandal, Al-Husseiniya, Jita, and Al-Hashab, Caliber.Az reports via Al-Mayadeen.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been actively striking targets across Syria, particularly focusing on military sites.

Over two days from December 8-9, the Israeli Air Force launched nearly 300 air raids, targeting about 250 sites in Syria. 

The Israeli military has reportedly brought its operations to a new level, drawing closer to neutralizing the entirety of Syria’s air defence capabilities.

In the latest developments, Israeli airstrikes continued overnight on December 10, primarily targeting Syria’s military infrastructure.The city of Salamiyah, located in the eastern countryside of Hama, was struck by Israeli forces. Warplanes also targeted the Shayrat airbase in the Homs countryside, as well as military installations in Syria’s northern Raqqa governorate. 

To date, Israeli raids have hit a wide range of military facilities, with the total number of airstrikes nearing 250.

By Khagan Isayev