The Syrians, having lost strategic outposts on Mount Hermon in the Yom Kippur War and with their capital threatened, refused to accept the presence of Israeli troops on their soil. Despite the existing ceasefire, Syrian forces led numerous ambushes and firefights against the Israeli salient. According to Syrian Foreign Minister Abdel Halim Khaddam, Syria's constant artillery attacks were part of a deliberate war of attrition designed to paralyze the Israeli economy, and were intended to pressure Israel into yielding the occupied territory. Aerial engagements also took place, and both sides lost several aircraft during the escalating conflict.