Syria Claims Israel Bombed its Territory

Recon planes likely caught by surprise, diplomats say
By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 6, 2007 6:41 PM CDT
Syria Claims Israel Bombed its Territory
Israeli soldiers from the Golani infantry brigade and tanks from the armored corps take part in an exercise in the Golan Heights, near the border with Syria in this photo taken Monday, July 3, 2007. Syrian air defenses opened fire Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007 on Israeli aircraft after they violated Syrian...   (Associated Press)

Syria accused Israel of bombing its territory today—and says it could retaliate, Reuters reports. Israel's "aggression and treachery" caused no casualties or damage, Syria said. "It appears the Israeli planes were on a reconnaissance mission when they got caught by Syrian defenses and were forced to drop their bombs and extra fuel tanks," says one diplomat; Israel had no comment.

World oil prices rose by $1.40 a barrel on today's report. Analysts say Israel conducts occasional reconnaissance missions over Syrian airspace, but Syrian guns haven't fired on Israeli aircraft in more than a year. Recent months have been marked both by rumors of revived peace negotiations between the nations and speculation that each side was preparing to attack on the other. (More Israel stories.)

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