New Israeli incursion reported in southern Syria
QUNEITRA, Syria (North Press) – Israeli forces launched on Friday a new incursion into southern Syria, entering the village of Eastern Samdaniyah in Quneitra countryside, where several military vehicles advanced and a house was reportedly raided and searched, according to Syrian state media.
The operation coincided with intensified Israeli aerial activity over Quneitra and Daraa provinces. Syrian media reports indicate that unmanned drones and warplanes were involved, marking the latest in a series of Israeli operations targeting southern Syria this month.
Since early August, southern Syria has witnessed over ten such incursions by Israeli forces, alongside airstrikes that have resulted in at least 14 fatalities, mostly members of the Syrian army. Yesterday, Israeli forces detained two civilians from al-Ruweihini village in central Quneitra near the demilitarized zone along the Golan Heights.
In a televised statement on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his intention to convert southern Syria, including Suwayda Governorate, into a “demilitarized zone.”
“There are ongoing discussions regarding the possibility of disarming southern Syria, and we are working to make this area free from military threats,” Netanyahu said, adding that negotiations and diplomatic contacts are underway to achieve this goal.
The recent escalation prompted a response from three prominent U.S. lawmakers—Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Joni Ernst, and Representative Joe Wilson—who issued a joint statement urging Israel to immediately halt hostile activities in Syria.
Authorities in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) continue to monitor regional developments and emphasize the importance of local governance and stability, which remain crucial for civilian safety amid cross-border tensions.
Friday’s Israeli incursion adds to a series of recent security incidents, with further developments expected as diplomatic and military channels respond to the escalation.