Israeli occupation forces stage multiple raids in Quneitra countryside
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Israeli military convoys and patrols advance into several Quneitra towns, with residents reporting heightened tension amid increased Israeli presence in the area.
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Syrians stage a demonstration against Israeli incursions into Syrian territory and in support of Palestinians, in Damascus, Syria, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP)
Israeli occupation forces conducted several incursions across the Quneitra countryside on Tuesday, the Syrian state news agency Al-Ikhbariya reported.
In the northern countryside, a patrol entered the town of Tarangeh, pausing briefly in the town square before proceeding toward the nearby town of Hadar. Separately, Syrian media said an Israeli unit comprising seven military vehicles carried out a raid in the town of Kodneh in southern Quneitra.
In another movement, a military convoy from the Israeli base at the eastern al-Ahmar hill advanced toward the outskirts of the village of al-Asbah in southern Quneitra, raising concern among residents.
IOF raids Quneitra countryside village, arrests young man
Israeli occupation forces (IOF) carried out a large-scale raid on the village of Taranja in the Quneitra countryside on Monday, arresting a young man and taking him to an undisclosed location.
The incursion involved around 100 soldiers, supported by 20 military vehicles and reconnaissance aircraft that heavily patrolled the skies. Troops searched several civilian homes, assaulted residents, and withdrew after several hours.
This operation follows repeated Israeli incursions into Syrian territories in recent weeks. A day earlier, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that an Israeli force entered al-Samadaniyah al-Sharqiyah, searching five homes before retreating. In another incident, forces from the eastern al-Ahmar hill advanced toward the Briqa–Kodnah road, establishing a new military checkpoint.
Between June 9 and July 5, 2025, Israeli forces carried out at least 22 ground incursions into Quneitra, the Damascus countryside, and Daraa governorates, often conducting home demolitions, mass arrests, and temporary military checkpoints.
Expansion of IOF presence in southern Syria
The Quneitra raid reflects a broader campaign to cement Israeli control over southern Syria. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, Israeli forces have occupied nearly 500–600 square kilometers of territory, including approximately 95% of Quneitra Governorate.
The occupation stretches from Mount Hermon through Quneitra to Daraa, with ten permanent military bases established, six of them in the last three months. Strategic locations include Jubata al-Khashab, Qurs al-Nafal, al-Qahtaniyah, the eastern al-Ahmar hill, and Tulul al-Humr, the latter only 40 kilometers from Damascus.
Control over key water resources such as the Sheikh Hussein and Sahm Golan dams, the Yarmouk riverbed, and al-Wahda Dam has further consolidated the occupation’s grip on the region.
"Israel" launched "Operation Arrow of Bashan" immediately after Assad’s fall. Within eight days, Israeli forces conducted over 600 airstrikes, targeting airfields, missile sites, tanks, and Syria’s remaining air defense systems. This campaign destroyed between 70–80% of Syria’s strategic military capabilities, including its air force and naval fleet.
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