Syrian Assistant Foreign Minister Ayman Sussan on Tuesday promised Israel “More surprises” should Jerusalem try to operate in Syria again in the future, making his remarks following the weekend incident in which an IAF F-16i was downed by Syrian anti-aircraft fire. The fighter jet was downed as it was returning to Israel from a successful retaliatory mission, targeting Iranian objectives in Syria. The pilot and navigator ejected and were transported to Rambam Medical Center in Haifa. The navigator has since been released and the pilot’s condition is improving significantly.

Eight fighter planes took part in the strikes following the downing of an Iranian-built drone inside Israel after the unmanned aircraft entered via Jordan. It is believed the drone was testing Israel’s early warning system and response.

Sussan added that Israel, referred to as “the aggressor” feels that the war of aggression has made Syria incapable of response, but stated “God willing they will see more surprises whenever they try to attack Syria”.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)