Israel carries out air strike in Syria

Jerusalem, Oct. 16: Israel’s military said on Monday it carried out an air strike on an anti-aircraft battery in Syria after it fired toward its planes, while vowing it sought no further escalation in the war-torn country.

Israeli planes were on what the military described as a routine reconnaissance mission over neighbouring Lebanon when an antiaircraft missile was fired in their direction, a military spokesman said. The planes returned safely, according to the spokesman, adding it was believed the anti-aircraft battery in Syria was destroyed.

“We hold the Syrian regime responsible for the anti-aircraft fire and any attack originating from Syria,” Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus said.

Israel “will maintain its ability to thwart hostile intentions endangering civilians,” he said.

He did not specify how many Israeli planes were involved in the reconnaissance mission. The battery targeted was located some 50 kilometres east of Damascus.

“Israel has no intention to destabilise the situation,” said Mr Conricus. Israel has sought to avoid becoming more directly involved in the six-year civil war in neighbouring Syria, though it acknowledges carrying out dozens of air strikes to stop what it calls advanced arms deliveries to Hezbollah.

The Lebanese Shiite group is backing Syrian President Bashar alAssad’s regime in the conflict. — AFP