Israel Claims Raid Near Damascus Destroyed Turkish Spy Devices
The Israeli military said it carried out a helicopter raid and heavy airstrikes near Damascus on the night of August 27, targeting what it described as Turkish-made espionage equipment. The rare ground operation unfolded in the Kiswah area, roughly 12 kilometers south of the Syrian capital, where Israeli troops landed on Mount al-Māni and remained for about two hours.
According to Israeli officials quoted by the Saudi-owned channel Al-Hadath, the raid destroyed surveillance systems allegedly linked to Türkiye. One unnamed official told Al Arabiya that the dismantled devices had been monitoring Israel “more closely than appropriate,” warning Damascus not to “play with fire or follow Turkish orders.”
Turkish authorities have not yet officially denied the report despite several media outlets report.
Background to the Strikes
The raid followed an Israeli drone attack a day earlier, on August 26, which hit a Syrian army position on Mount al-Māni and killed six soldiers. Damascus condemned the strike as a violation of international law and the UN Charter.
Mount al-Māni (33.330893, 36.319618) is considered a strategic site for Hezbollah and is believed to host underground facilities.
Two entrances of the former Hezbollah underground facility at Mount al-Māni – 33.314597, 36.316029.
Syrian officials said the soldiers killed on August 26 had been attempting to dismantle Israeli surveillance equipment when they were struck, suggesting that the devices were planted by Israel itself. Israel, in turn, insisted they belonged to Türkiye—shifting the narrative in a different direction.
Ankara’s Expanding Influence
While Ankara has not been commented on the allegations yet, but Türkiye has expanded its technical intelligence capabilities during recent conflicts, closely tracking Israeli military activity, Turkish officials previously told Mintel World during 12-Days war.
On the other hand, analysts say Israel’s claims are part of a broader effort to strain growing ties between Damascus and Ankara.
Despite shelving plans for a new airbase, Türkiye has continued strengthening its military and economic relationship with the Syrian government.
Regional observers warn that tensions between Israel and Türkiye are likely to escalate further, particularly over the future of the YPG affiliated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
