IDF Strikes Syrian Buffer Zone After Mortar Fire on Outpost

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) responded overnight Sunday to Monday to mortar fire targeting an outpost near Tel Kudna in the Syrian buffer zone. The IDF returned fire using mortars, artillery, and attack helicopters. No casualties were reported in the incident. Syrian state news agency SANA reported Israeli strikes on the village of Abidin in the Daraa region, causing residents to flee their homes.

Lebanese Al-Mayadeen, affiliated with Hezbollah, reported a mass evacuation of Abidin villagers to nearby areas following the Israeli artillery attacks. Earlier footage showed villagers throwing stones at IDF soldiers. This incident follows a series of Israeli strikes in Syria, including a late March operation targeting a command center and weapons of the Assad regime in southern Syria, in response to attacks on Druze civilians in the As-Suwayda area.

In related developments, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disappointment with Israel's handling of Hezbollah and mentioned considering allowing Syria to "handle the issue." Syrian official Al-Assad clarified that Trump's remarks were misinterpreted and denied any imminent Syrian invasion of Lebanon, stating the U.S. president was urging Syria to help find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Lebanon.