Israeli official claims to Saudi outlet that IDF troops confiscated ‘secret equipment’ near Damascus

Saudi outlet Al-Hadath reports that Israeli forces located and confiscated “secret and sensitive equipment” near Damascus, citing a senior Israeli security official. The claim follows reports overnight of an Israeli airdrop of troops on the outskirts of the Syrian capital.

According to the report, the IDF dismantled Turkish surveillance devices planted in the Damascus area intended to monitor Israel. The source said Jerusalem has warned the new Syrian government against aligning with Ankara, calling it “playing with fire.” The source further claimed the equipment had been housed in Syrian military bases for over a decade.

Separately, a Syrian official told Al Jazeera that four Israeli Air Force helicopters and two fighter jets arrived at a military base in the al-Kiswah area, just south of Damascus, deploying dozens of troops — reportedly special forces — who carried out searches at the site for two hours before withdrawing. Fighter jets allegedly “cleared the way” for the helicopters and blocked Syrian reinforcements, though no clashes were reported.

The IDF has yet to officially comment on the reports, but Defense Minister Israel Katz said earlier today, “Our forces are operating on all battle fronts day and night for the security of Israel.”