'Israel' expanding operations in southern Syria toward key dams
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Local sources told Al Mayadeen that the Israeli occupation is relocating toward dams within southern Syria and repositioning itself to continue its military operations.
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"Israel's" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, visits Israeli occupation forces inside Syria, Tuesday, December 17, 2024. (AP)
Israeli occupation forces have partially withdrawn from the al-Raqad Dam area near Saida al-Golan in the southern countryside of Quneitra, a local Syrian source told Al Mayadeen on Tuesday.
The source reported that the withdrawing forces redeployed to Tel al-Saqi in the occupied Golan Heights, a position overlooking the Yarmouk Basin and southern Quneitra. However, the Israeli forces maintained a presence along the axis stretching from Barracks 74 to the valleys of Raqad and Taim, focusing their operations near key water sources and dams in southern Syria.
Simultaneously, Israeli occupation forces have installed advanced communication equipment on Jabal Qurs al-Nafl, west of Hader in Quneitra’s countryside. According to local sources, this strategic elevation directly overlooks the occupied town of Majdal Shams and critical Israeli supply routes toward the Lebanese border.
Continued encroachment
Earlier on Tuesday, an Al Mayadeen correspondent reported Israeli incursions into Saida in the occupied Golan and its neighboring village of al-Muqraz, located at the administrative border between Daraa and Quneitra. The occupation forces have also seized control of the Yarmouk Basin, including the Yarmouk River and the al-Wehda Dam, asserting dominance over key water resources in the region.
Despite these advances, the Israeli forces have been unable to occupy Beit Jinn, a stronghold of local resistance, and remain stationed in its surrounding areas. Additionally, they have expanded eastward near the villages of Kuwayya, al-Mariyah, and al-Qusayr, close to the Jordanian border.
Escalation of Israeli aggression
For the sixth consecutive day, the Israeli occupation has been advancing deeper into Syrian territory. It now controls the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, has taken over the "buffer zone" in the occupied Golan Heights, and is within 15 kilometers of the Damascus-Beirut international highway.
Furthermore, the occupation has seized major freshwater resources in southern Syria, particularly in the Yarmouk Basin, signaling a strategic shift toward controlling critical infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz visited Israeli occupation forces outposts on Mount Hermon in Syria on Tuesday, emphasizing the strategic importance of the area in countering threats from Hezbollah in Lebanon and factions in Syria.
He was accompanied by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, IOF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, and Northern Command Chief Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin.
