Israeli Forces Escalate Tensions with Raids in Southern Syria’s Daraa
By Kardo Roj
DARAA, Syria (North Press) – Israeli forces carried out extensive house raids in the village of Jamlah in western Daraa on Saturday, heightening concerns among residents in the already volatile region. The operations were reportedly aimed at disarming the local population and came after weeks of heightened Israeli military activity in southern Syria.
The raids, which began early in the morning, involved door-to-door searches by Israeli soldiers who demanded that residents hand over any weapons in their possession. Loudspeakers were used to announce the demands, followed by a strict curfew in the area.
A local source, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said,
“Israeli soldiers entered homes under the pretext of searching for weapons. Shots were fired into the air to enforce the curfew, leaving residents confined to their homes.”
The source added that residents fear arbitrary arrests and prolonged restrictions due to the Israeli presence in the village.
Background of the Operation
This is not the first incident of its kind in the region. On Thursday, Israeli forces issued a sudden evacuation order to residents of Al-Hamidiya village in neighboring Quneitra, only to rescind the order a few hours later.
Israeli forces have increased their presence in Daraa and Quneitra in recent weeks, following the fall of Syria’s previous government earlier this month. As southern Syria grapples with political and military instability, Israeli forces have targeted key military installations in the area, reportedly striking sites linked to Iranian-backed militias.
Regional Implications
Southern Syria, particularly Daraa and Quneitra, has long been a flashpoint due to its proximity to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Since the collapse of Damascus’ centralized authority, regional powers, including Israel, have moved to secure their borders while attempting to weaken Iran’s influence in the area.
A former military analyst based in Jordan, speaking to North Press, highlighted the strategic importance of these raids.
“Israel sees the destabilization of southern Syria as an opportunity to dismantle Iranian networks operating near its borders. However, these operations often come at the expense of local civilians, creating more insecurity and resentment.”
Impact on Local Population
Residents of Jamlah expressed deep concerns over the long-term impact of Israeli incursions. The curfews and searches have disrupted daily life and heightened fears of displacement.
A farmer from Jamlah, who declined to give his name, said,
“We’ve been living in fear since the raids began. Our village is small, and most of us are unarmed civilians. This situation only brings more suffering to people already enduring years of war.”
The Yarmouk Basin region, where Jamlah is located, was previously under the control of ISIS-affiliated groups and later became a contested area between Syrian government forces and local factions. Despite the removal of major militant groups, the region remains fragile, with residents caught in the crossfire of larger geopolitical struggles.
Broader Escalation in the Region
In addition to ground operations, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly hit multiple locations in southern Syria over the past two weeks. Local sources and international observers suggest these strikes targeted missile sites and warehouses allegedly linked to Iranian forces.
Call for International Attention
As the situation unfolds, calls for international mediation are growing. Local activists and humanitarian organizations have urged the United Nations to intervene and ensure the protection of civilians in the area.
The long-standing tension between Israel and Syria shows no signs of abating, with the recent developments in Daraa adding another layer of complexity to the conflict. Residents in the affected areas remain in dire need of stability, even as regional and international players jostle for control and influence in southern Syria.