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Border Maneuvers: Israeli Army Intensifies Operations in Quneitra and Daraa
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Israeli incursions into Syrian territories suggest a shift in the rules of engagement and a proactive stance against any potential threats near the borders
Recently, Israeli military incursions have increased in the rural areas of Quneitra and Daraa, part of an Israeli strategy aimed at preventing any military presence near its borders, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The Observatory noted that since the beginning of March, Israeli forces have launched a series of military operations, which included raiding military positions, inspecting homes, arresting civilians, and targeting weapons storage facilities. The Observatory highlighted that these operations were aimed at "militias supported by Iran."
According to the Syrian Observatory’s monitoring:
On March 1, Israeli forces infiltrated the "Nasiriya Detachment" (also known as "Abu Dhiab Detachment") in southern Quneitra, a former Russian observation post. They conducted thorough searches before withdrawing after several hours, leaving behind signs of sabotage.
On March 4, Israeli forces cut off the road between the town of Mas'hara in southern Quneitra and the town of Al-Tayha in northern Daraa, using heavy machinery while engaging in heavy gunfire. The operation focused on Tell al-Mal, on the administrative border between Daraa and Quneitra.
On March 5, Israeli forces, accompanied by several vehicles, advanced into the villages of Ras al-Munbatih and Al-Dawaya al-Kabira in the southwestern part of Quneitra. The incursion lasted for several hours before the forces withdrew.
On March 8, a series of Israeli incursions took place in the western countryside of Daraa and central Quneitra, signaling notable military movements inside Syrian territory.
On March 12, Israeli forces intensified their movements in the Quneitra countryside, opening heavy fire from their position at the western red hill towards the east, continuing operations that had been repeated in recent days.
Additionally, Israeli forces detained a young man from the village of Koudna in the Quneitra countryside just an hour before Iftar, taking him to an unknown location, raising concerns over continued arrests and security tensions in the area.
On March 13, Israeli forces began another military incursion in the Quneitra countryside, crossing the border with tanks and vehicles, targeting military positions on the Damascus–Ain al-Nouriya road. The operation included explosions at the "Al-Suqri Detachment" and attacks on positions belonging to the "90th Brigade," causing powerful blasts in the region.
Israeli forces continued their movements in the areas of Quneitra and Daraa until March 19, when an Israeli infantry force entered the southern end of the village of Ma'riya, located in the Yarmouk Basin in western Daraa, without clear reasons for the incursion or how long they stayed in the village.
On the same day, the southern Quneitra countryside witnessed a surprise Israeli incursion with tanks and bulldozers from the western part of the village of Al-Asha, advancing towards the town of Al-Rafeed, passing through Al-Hayran and Al-Asbah, and reaching the vicinity of Tell al-Mahir.
The Syrian Observatory reported that "according to available information, Israeli forces took control of the Al-Hayran military post, amid intense military activity in the area, with rising tension and public apprehension."
