Mortar shells from Syria land in Golan Heights
Apparently inadvertent artillery fire hits open areas, causing no damage; IDF fires back at point of origin
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Several mortar shells exploded in an open area in the Israeli Golan Heights Thursday, apparently the result of inadvertent spillover from fighting in Syria, according to the IDF.
Israel responded by firing a Tamuz missile at the origin of the attack. An IDF spokesperson said the strike was successful.
Artillery from Syria has landed frequently on the Israeli side of the Golan Heights for the past week as regime and rebel forces fight over the Quneitra crossing.
On Sunday, a mortar shell struck in Israeli territory and IDF forces shot down an unmanned aircraft as it entered the country from Syria near the fighting, the IDF said.
On Saturday, two mortar shells exploded inside Israel near the Israel-Syria border in the Golan Heights, causing no injuries or damage, according to initial reports.
The explosions were believed to be strays from fighting between rebel groups and government troops on the Syrian side of the Golan, which has caught United Nations peacekeepers in the crossfire.
The fighting has also affected the United Nations peacekeepers who keep watch over the Israel-Syria border, as 44 troops from Fiji are being held hostage by the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Nusra Front after being captured last week.
Filipino peacekeepers also clashed with the rebels last week and were pinned down at their position for several days before making a daring escape over the weekend.
The Times of Israel Community.