Israeli forces raid Syria's Quneitra, detain two shepherds

Israeli forces carried out two raids into Syria's Quneitra province Tuesday, detaining two young shepherds in the latest violation of Syrian sovereignty. The incursions continue a pattern of almost daily Israeli operations in southern Syria.

Raids detailed

According to Syria's SANA news agency, Israeli forces advanced into the southern Quneitra countryside, detaining two men near the town of Tal al-Darayyat. Troops also moved into Ofania town in the northern Quneitra countryside. The operation followed a Monday incursion into the village of Al-Samadaniya al-Sharqiya, where Israeli forces searched multiple houses.

Agreement ignored

The raids come despite a Jan. 6 agreement between Syria and Israel to establish a US-supervised communication mechanism aimed at coordinating information sharing, reducing military escalation, engaging diplomatically and exploring trade opportunities. Israeli forces have continued almost daily ground incursions, particularly in Quneitra and Daraa countryside, detaining civilians, setting up checkpoints and damaging agricultural land.

Occupation continues

Israel has occupied most of Syria's Golan Heights since 1967. Following the ouster of the Bashar al-Assad regime on Dec. 8, 2024, Israel announced the collapse of the 1974 disengagement agreement and moved to occupy the Syrian buffer zone. Syrian officials say the continued Israeli violations undermine efforts to restore stability and hinder government attempts to attract investment to improve the country's economic conditions.