Israel shot down an Iranian drone launched from Syria and in response also struck Iranian targets there on Saturday, the Israeli military said.

 

"A combat helicopter successfully intercepted an Iranian UAV that was launched from Syria and infiltrated Israel. The aircraft was identified by the Aerial Defense Systems at an early phase and was under surveillance until the interception," the military said in a statement.

 

"In response, the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) targeted Iranian targets in Syria," the military said, adding that they had accurately hit an Iranian UAV control facility confirmed.

 

IDF has targeted the Iranian control systems in Syria that sent the #UAV into Israeli airspace. Massive Syrian Anti-Air fire, one F16 crashed in Israel, pilots safe. #Iran is responsible for this severe violation of Israeli sovereignty. Event ongoing, more to follow.

 

An Al Arabiya correspondent later reported that an Israeli jet was shot down after it targeted sites in Syria. The military confirmed and said that a pilot had ejected before the plane was destroyed.

 

The plane was hit by Syrian fire, the military added.