Israeli forces advance into southern Quneitra, set checkpoints
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Israeli forces advanced on Friday into the southern countryside of Quneitra, southwest Syria, establishing temporary checkpoints and blocking several roads, according to local sources and state media.
Residents reported that a unit consisting of seven Israeli military vehicles entered the village of Saida al-Hanout, where troops set up a checkpoint on the western side of the village along the road leading to Wadi Taim. The forces conducted searches of passersby during the deployment.
The Syrian state-run “Al-Ikhbariya” channel said Israeli troops also blocked multiple routes in the southern Quneitra countryside by erecting earthen barriers. These closures reportedly included roads linking the villages of al-Asbah and the town of Kudna, as well as routes between al-Qahtaniyah and Rasm al-Shouli, and an agricultural road connecting Ruwayhina and al-Adnaniyah. The road from Saida al-Hanout to Wadi Taim was also affected.
The developments come amid heightened tensions in southern Syria following several days of protests in the provinces of Daraa and Quneitra. Demonstrators reportedly approached border areas and called on the Syrian government to open crossings and declare “jihad” against Israel.
No official statement has been issued by Israeli authorities regarding the reported incursion.
Southern Syria, particularly areas near the disengagement line in Quneitra, has witnessed intermittent Israeli military activity recently, often linked to security concerns along the border.