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Mortar shells land in northern Golan Heights
Several projectiles land near Israel-Syria border; fire believed the result of clashes between rebel forces, Assad's army. IDF files UNIFIL grievance
Several mortar shells landed near the Israel-Syria border, in the northern Golan Heights, Tuesday morning. No injuries or damage were reported.
According to the IDF, the incident took place at 7 am, near the Syrian village of Jubta Al-Hashab. The projectiles laded in an open area adjacent to the border fence.
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The IDF stressed that the fire was not intentionally directed at Israel and that it is believed to be the result of the escalating clashes between rebel forces and Syrian President Bashar Assad's army.
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The Israel-Syria border (Photo: Yaron Brener)
"Several mortar shells were fired in the morning hours towards the Golan Heights. No injuries or damage were reported," the IDF's official statement said.
"The fire was directed at villages on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights, as part of the country's internal conflict. The IDF has filed a grievance with the UN forces stationed in the Golan Heights and stressed that it will not stand for any Syrian fire at Israel.
"Civilian security directors have been briefed on the situation," the statement said.
Mortar landing site (Photo: Avihu Shapira)
The IDF has been closely monitoring the situation in Syria since the uprising against Assad began in March 2011.
Israel is concerned that the ongoing fighting will eventually reach the Golan Heights.
Both Israel and the United States have expressed concern that Assad's arsenal of nonconventional weapons – considered the largest in the world – will reach various terror groups, including Hezbollah.
The past week has seen the IDF hold a flash-drill in the Golan Heights, meant to address potential warfare in the northern sector.
The exercise included forces from the GOC Northern Command and the Reserves.
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