Israeli officer seriously wounded in blast in southern Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – An Israeli reserve officer with the rank of major was seriously injured on Monday after an explosion struck a military site used by the Israeli army in southern Syria.
According to reports in the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, the officer sustained severe injuries while preparing the site ahead of the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, which is set to take place later this week. He was immediately transferred for medical treatment, and his family was informed.
The Israeli army stated that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the incident. Preliminary assessments indicate that the explosion may have been triggered by an old Syrian landmine left from previous conflicts.
Israel maintains several positions in southern Syria, particularly in the Mount Hermon area, despite repeated calls for withdrawal during ongoing negotiations between Syria and Israel. Mediation efforts by multiple international parties have so far failed to bring about a settlement on these contested positions.
While the Israeli army has not released further details about the officer’s condition, media outlets reported that military engineers are working at the site to ensure there are no additional threats.
The incident highlights the continued volatility of southern Syria, where remnants of past battles, including unexploded mines and ordnance, pose significant risks to civilians and military personnel alike.