The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they had carried out an operation on Saturday in Syria to apprehend a terror operative collaborating with Iranian agents. This mission involved the elite Egoz commando unit.
Arrest of Ali Suleiman al-Aadi
The IDF arrested Ali Suleiman al-Aadi, a Syrian national residing in the southern town of Saida. According to the IDF, al-Aadi was involved in gathering intelligence on Israeli forces near the border, potentially for future terrorist activities. Following his arrest, he was placed under surveillance and has now been transferred to Israel for interrogation.
IDF’s Commitment to Border Security
In a statement, the IDF affirmed its commitment to maintaining border security, emphasizing that it would not permit the establishment of Iranian influence or hostile actions emanating from southern Syria. “The IDF will continue to work for the security of the borders and will not allow the establishment of the Iranian axis and the directing of hostile sabotage activity from southern Syria,” the army stated.
Also Read: Israel Conducts Ground Raid In Syria Amid Escalating Regional Tensions
Al-Aadi’s Interrogation and Recruitment by Iran
The IDF also released footage of al-Aadi revealing details about his recruitment by Iranian operatives. In the video, he described a meeting where the Iranian agent assessed the strategic value of the area. “We sat together on the fence. [He] looked around like this and said, ‘Your area is good from a strategic point of view. We could profit from it,'” al-Aadi recounted.
Furthermore, al-Aadi disclosed that the Iranian agent posed as a Syrian military intelligence officer, claiming to be interested in the movements of Israeli border patrols. “He said he was from military intelligence, but in fact, Iran was behind him. From what I understand he belongs to Iran,” he added.
Escalating Tensions in the Region
Recently, Iranian officials have intensified their threats of retaliation following Israeli airstrikes on military bases and air defense systems on October 26. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned, “The enemies, both the US and the Zionist regime (Israel), should know that they will definitely receive a teeth-breaking response for what they are doing against Iran and the resistance front.”
Middle Eastern media sources suggest that Iran may plan an attack before the upcoming US elections on Tuesday, with involvement from its proxy terror groups based in Iraq and Yemen.
Ongoing US-Israel Military Collaboration
The IDF’s announcement coincides with a visit from US Central Command’s General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, who is in Israel for discussions with military leaders. Additionally, the United States has deployed B-52 Stratofortress bombers in the Middle East, signaling ongoing military collaboration between the two nations.