Israeli forces expanding incursion into Quneitra countryside: Source
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Israeli occupation forces have advanced into several villages in Syria’s Quneitra countryside, conducting a population survey under the pretext of "providing aid".
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A man walks past a home that was demolished by the Israeli military, in the village of Rafid, on the outskirts of Quneitra, Syria, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 (AP)
Local Syrian sources confirmed to Al Mayadeen on Monday that Israeli occupation forces have advanced into the villages of al-Asbah, Kodna, al-Rafid, and Hiran in the southern countryside of Quneitra, Syria.
According to the sources, Israeli forces have begun conducting a population survey in the villages and towns of the region. The occupation forces claimed that the operation aims to "meet the needs of the local population and provide them with assistance." However, residents strongly rejected any dealings with Israeli forces or the acceptance of any aid from the occupation's military.
In a related development, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that Israeli occupation forces are constructing a new observation post near the Agricultural Tower in the town of Jubaatha al-Khashab in northern Quneitra.
Meanwhile, the Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post previously noted that "Israel is aware of former US President Donald Trump's desire to withdraw the remaining American forces from Syria." However, it emphasized that "this decision does not affect US support for Israel in maintaining a buffer zone in Syrian territory."
Additionally, the Israeli daily Maariv revealed that the Israeli military is "changing the reality in areas it has positioned itself in within Syria, preparing for a long-term presence." The newspaper stated that the Israeli military has converted former Syrian military sites into Israeli bases, integrating advanced technology to facilitate its prolonged stay in the buffer zone.
Constant expansion
Local sources reported on Sunday that Israeli occupation forces have advanced into the village of Ain al-Nourieh in the northeastern Quneitra countryside, further escalating tensions in the region.
A Syrian source speaking to Al Mayadeen said Israeli forces destroyed remnants of two former Syrian army mortar and anti-tank missile units near the strategic hill of Ain al-Nourieh.
Sources also noted that Israeli forces remained stationed for hours on a key route connecting Quneitra’s countryside to Damascus via Khan Arnaba - Harfa, sparking fear among residents. The increasing frequency of Israeli incursions and patrols in Quneitra and Jabal al-Sheikh has exacerbated local concerns.
Two days earlier, residents of the village of al-Malaqah in Quneitra province rejected aid offered by Israeli forces, affirming that they do not accept assistance from an occupying force.
The village’s mayor, Khodor Obeida, told Turkey’s Anadolu Agency that Israeli soldiers enter and exit the village more than 10 times a day, conducting home searches and instilling fear among women and children.
