Israeli aircraft attacked Iranian targets in Syria on Saturday after intercepting an Iranian unmanned aircraft (UAV), and after an Israeli fighter jet was shot down by Syria. The Israeli defense forces (IDF) have attacked the launch components of Iranian aircraft in Syrian territory, the IDF said in a statement. During the attack, more anti-aircraft missiles were fired at Israeli air force planes, the Israeli army said. The IDF also confirmed that an Israeli F-16 fighter was hit and that the pilots were forced to abandon the fighter. The pilots landed in Israeli territory and were taken to hospital for medical treatment. The IDF said one was in serious condition and the other was slightly injured. Earlier, the IDF claimed that a combat helicopter successfully intercepted an Iranian UAV launched by Syria and infiltrated Israel. In response, the IDF has targeted Iranian targets in Syria. The aircraft was identified by air defense systems at an early stage and was under surveillance until interception, according to the Israeli army. According to the statement, the Israeli army sees the Iranian attack and the Syrian response as a "serious and irregular violation of Israeli sovereignty". The IDF is monitoring events and is fully prepared for further action, depending on assessments and needs, the IDF added. The sirens played in the Golan Heights are the result of Syrian anti-aircraft missiles, the Israeli military said in the statement. The IDF will continue to act against "any attempt to infiltrate Israeli airspace and will act resolutely to prevent any violation of Israeli sovereignty," said the IDF.
