Israel Pushes Deeper Into Syria: Troops, Raids, and New Bases Near Golan
Israel is expanding its military footprint inside Syria, sending troops deeper into the Quneitra province and carrying out overnight raids that have led to the detention of young men. The incursions come days after Israeli forces reportedly entered residential areas and seized at least two people [224477]. In the latest operation, Israeli units crossed into Syria’s southern Daraa province, surrounding homes in the countryside west of Daraa city before taking several men into custody [220799]. Witnesses described troops moving through the area, though no official statement has been released by either side [219853].
The ground raids are part of a wider military push that has also included airstrikes, demolition of infrastructure, and the establishment of new military positions in southern Syria [223795]. Israeli officials describe the activities as necessary security measures to prevent weapons from reaching hostile groups near the border [220799]. Syrian authorities and local residents, however, view the incursions as a violation of national sovereignty and a source of growing instability [220799]. Quneitra province borders the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and has been a flashpoint in recent months [224477]. Since the fall of the Assad government in late 2024, Israel has carried out frequent military actions inside Syrian territory, particularly in the south [220799]. While most operations have involved airstrikes or artillery fire, ground raids have become more common in recent weeks [220799]. The abduction in Daraa is expected to heighten tensions in a region already on edge, with no sign of a diplomatic solution [220799].