Israeli forces conduct new military raids in southern Syrian villages

Israeli military forces have conducted new cross-border operations in southern Syria's Quneitra province, raiding multiple villages and surrounding residential buildings. According to Syrian state media reports, the incursions involved separate convoys of military vehicles and tanks entering the villages of Al-Ajraf, Al-Mushayrifa, and Umm Batna, where troops searched properties and established blockades around specific homes.

Recent Pattern of Border Violations

The latest military actions continue a pattern of repeated Israeli cross-border operations into Syria's southern provinces despite international calls for respecting Syrian sovereignty. These incidents have occurred with increasing frequency in recent months, raising tensions in the strategically sensitive border region near the occupied Golan Heights.

Expanded Occupation of Golan Heights

Following the political transition in Damascus in late 2024, Israeli forces expanded their control in the Syrian Golan Heights by seizing the previously established demilitarized buffer zone. This territorial expansion violated the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Israel and Syria, which had maintained a fragile ceasefire arrangement for decades in the border region.

Regional Security Implications

The ongoing military operations and territorial changes have significant implications for regional security dynamics, particularly given the strategic importance of the Golan Heights and the longstanding tensions between Israel and Syria. The repeated cross-border raids underscore the continued volatility in the area despite political changes in the Syrian capital.