Israeli patrols, coalition operations, explosion reported across Syria
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Israeli patrols in Quneitra, an international coalition operation in Deir Ezzor, and a violent explosion in Kafr Takharim highlight escalating security concerns across Syria.
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Israeli occupation forces block a road leading to the town of Quneitra, Syria, on January 5, 2025 (AP)
An Israeli patrol advanced on Wednesday morning along the Samdaniya–Khan Arnaba road, setting up a checkpoint in the area, local sources in Quneitra, southern Syria, reported.
The patrol included three military vehicles.
Another Israeli patrol moved between the villages of al-Ajraf and Umm Batna in northern Quneitra countryside, establishing an additional checkpoint within nearby agricultural lands. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) noted that Israeli occupation forces, for the second consecutive day, prevented residents of al-Hamidiyah village in northern Quneitra from completing maintenance operations for a vital water pumping line supplying the area.
International Coalition, SDF conduct airborne operations
The SOHR also reported that at dawn on Wednesday, the International Coalition carried out an airborne operation in the town of Marat, north of Deir Ezzor in eastern Syria. The operation involved special units from the internal security forces of the SDF-led Autonomous Administration amid heavy air and drone activity.
Sources indicated that the forces cordoned off several points before arresting two individuals suspected ISIS members. The operation comes amid a noticeable rise in ISIS cell attacks in rural Deir Ezzor targeting both military personnel and civilians. This follows a large-scale security campaign by SDF special units in Hasakah on November 23, supported by the International Coalition, during which city entrances were closed and multiple individuals linked to ISIS cells were arrested.
A few days earlier, clashes occurred between ISIS fighters and SDF forces in Dhiban, Deir Ezzor countryside, while ISIS cells continue targeting SDF and Asayish (Kurdish internal security forces) positions in the region.
Read more: SDF leader: No more room for war, Syria needs dialogue now
Explosion Reported in Kafr Takharim, northern Idlib
Later, the SOHR reported a violent explosion on Wednesday in Kafr Takharim, northern Idlib countryside, near a school, injuring several people. Ambulances rushed to evacuate the injured amid heightened security and investigations into the cause and the responsible party.
Local sources indicated that the explosion was caused by an ammunition depot belonging to one of the factions, located in a densely populated area.
Read more: Syrian security forces crack down on Homs, coastal protests
