2 mortar shells explode in northern Golan Heights
Shells land in open area, IDF still uncertain on which side of border. Rebels, Assad forces clash over last 24 hours in villages near Israel
Two mortar shells exploded in an open area near the Syrian border in the Golan Heights, south of Majdal-Shams.
The IDF is currently investigating whether they fell on the Israeli or Syrian side of the border.
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Over the last 24 hours fierce battles were fought between Syrian rebels and Assad's forces in villages adjacent to the border.
Recently, violence from across the border spilled over into the Golan Heights, including one incident in which shots were fired toward an IDF force in the center of the Golan Heights hitting a vehicle.
Residents of the area have witnessed several blasts and gun fire. In May, two mortar shells exploded in the Golan Heights, near Ramat Magshimim. It was most likely stray fire, as an additional mortar was seen exploding in Syrian territory, and the IDF did not respond.
Recent air bombings in Syrian territory attributed to the Israeli Air Force have raised tensions between the two countries.
In an interview to a Syrian TV channel, President Bashar Assad claimed the Syrian people are clamoring for him to launch a campaign against Israel in the Golan Heights and vowed that Syria will not remain silent vis-à-vis Israeli aggression on Syrian soil.
Conversely, IDF Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Benny Gantz warned that Assad would pay a heavy price should he initiate open warfare in the Golan Heights.
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