UN: Israeli drones seen Sunday before Syria strike
Spokesman calls alleged Israeli attack a ceasefire ‘violation’ as peacekeepers increase activities
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UN peacekeepers serving in the Golan saw drones flying before an Israeli air strike on Syria that killed an Iranian general, a UN spokesman said Monday.
Six Hezbollah fighters were killed in the raid near Quneitra on the Syria-controlled side of the Golan Heights.
An Israeli security source told AFP that an Israeli helicopter carried out the strike but the UN account raised the possibility that drones may have been used.
UN spokesman Farhan Haq said the UN observer force in the Golan on Sunday “observed two unmanned aerial vehicles flying from the Alpha (Israeli) side and crossing the ceasefire line.”
“An hour later, smoke was observed coming from the general direction of position 30,” Haq told reporters.
UN peacekeepers then saw the drones flying over the area of “position 30” and again crossing the ceasefire line, he added.
“The incident is a violation of the 1974 agreement on disengagement” between Israel and Syria, he added.
Among Hezbollah’s dead was Jihad Mughniyeh, the son of an assassinated commander from the group, and Mohammed Issa, a commander responsible for Hezbollah’s operations in Syria and Iraq.
On the Israel-Lebanon border, UN forces intensified their patrols Monday after Sunday’s strike.
Peacekeepers closely observed movements on both sides of the border, according to the Lebanese Daily Star.
Israel’s army went on high alert along the northern border Monday as the country braced for a possible retaliation from Hezbollah.
Israel Defense Forces’ Chief of Staff Benny Gantz said Monday the army was prepared and monitoring security developments in the region.
“The IDF is prepared, tracking all developments, and ready to act as needed,” Gantz announced. “This statement is not simply a speech — it’s a matter of real operational preparedness.”
The chief of staff did not directly address the alleged Israeli airstrike, in line with Israeli policy.
In the north, several IDF units deployed along the border that were set to go on leave were ordered to stay put, Haaretz reported.
Several Iron Dome anti-missile batteries were deployed in northern Israel, according to media reports, indicating official fears Hezbollah may attempt to launch rockets at the country.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
The Times of Israel Community.