Israeli army says it shelled Syria after rockets hit open areas

By Zein Khali

JERUSALEM (AA) – The Israeli army said late Tuesday it fired artillery shells into Syria following rocket fire towards the Golan Heights.

A military statement said air-raid sirens sounded in the Golan Heights after two rockets were launched from Syria.

The army said both projectiles landed in open areas, adding that it responded with artillery shelling.

The rockets were fired by Iranian militias based in Deraa, southwestern Syria, according to the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the rocket fire.

Israel has occupied the Syrian area of the Golan Heights since 1967.

Tensions escalated across the region amid relentless Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas into Israeli territory on Oct. 7.

More than 7,100 people have been killed in the latest conflict, including at least 5,791 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.