Mortar Shell From Syria Hits Israel-Held Golan Heights

A mortar shell fired from Syria landed in the Israeli-occupied section of the Golan Heights, but left no casualties or damage, the Israeli radio reported Monday.



The incident came as clashes renewed between regime forces and Islamist rebels near the border, it noted.



The Israeli army has been put on alert along the border with Syria after rebel fighters -  who are believed to include members of the al-Nusra Front, al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria - had taken control of Quneitra crossing, the only border crossing between Syria and the Israeli-held section of the Golan Heights.



On Sunday, the army said that it shot down an unmanned aircraft that breached Israeli airspace from Syria.



An Israeli army spokesperson, who asked not to be named, told Anadolu Agency that it is not clear whether the unmanned aircraft belonged to the Syrian regime or opposition groups.



The Syrian Golan Heights were occupied by Israel during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.



In 1981, the self-proclaimed Jewish state formally annexed the territory, which is inhabited by a small Syrian Druze community of roughly 20,000. The international community has never recognized the move.



By Abdel-Raouf Arnaout



englishnews@aa.com.tr



www.aa.com.tr/en - İsrail