Israeli forces shell southern Syria's Quneitra province

Israeli military forces conducted artillery strikes on southern Syria's Quneitra province on Tuesday, launching four shells into the eastern Tal Ahmar forest area according to Syrian state media. The attack represents the latest in a series of escalating cross-border military actions that have intensified following political changes in Damascus.

Recent Escalation in Southern Syria

The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported the shelling targeted Quneitra's southern countryside, though no details were provided regarding potential casualties or property damage. The artillery fire occurred hours after Israeli ground forces advanced into rural areas spanning both Quneitra and neighboring Daraa provinces, indicating coordinated military operations across Syria's southern border region.

Pattern of Increased Military Activity

Local sources in Quneitra have reported a significant uptick in Israeli military operations in recent months, including encroachment on agricultural land, destruction of extensive forest areas, arbitrary detentions of residents, and the establishment of permanent military checkpoints. These activities have substantially altered the security landscape in the border region since the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad government.

Statistical Evidence of Expanded Operations

Official Syrian government data indicates a dramatic increase in Israeli military actions, documenting over 1,000 airstrikes and more than 400 cross-border ground raids into southern Syrian provinces since December 2024. This represents a substantial escalation compared to pre-2024 activity levels and reflects Israel's expanded territorial control following its seizure of the demilitarized buffer zone established by the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.