As it resumes military operations in the Gaza Strip, Israel has expanded its ground incursions across southern Syria in recent weeks, while also launching airstrikes throughout the country — from Latakia and Homs to rural Damascus. In a major attack on March 25, Israeli forces shelled Koya, a small village in the Yarmouk Valley in Deraa Governorate, leaving at least six dead.
“[Israeli troops] started shooting at the farmers as soon as they saw them,” Nadia Aboud, a 28-year-old journalist from the nearby city of Deraa, told +972, recounting testimonies from village residents. “The farmers, who keep weapons to protect their land, fired back.” The situation quickly spiraled into a larger clash, with the Israeli military launching at least one airstrike on the village. “Two of [the farmers] were killed on the spot. When others rushed to help, the fighting intensified.” ….more