Three Syrian civilians were reported wounded on Tuesday when Israeli troops opened fire on them from the newly established IDF checkpoint near Khan Arnabeh, in the northern part of the Quneitra Governorate.
The checkpoint is set up outside the town, along the road to Ain Aisha, but Syrian state media reported that the troops fired from the checkpoint into the town and hit locals protesting the checkpoint. There were also reports that the IDF fired smoke grenades toward the town.
The IDF issued a statement on the matter claiming that they fired “warning shots” at the suspects, and when they failed to disperse, they shot the “main inciters.” The injured were reportedly taken to the hospital and are expected to survive.
Israeli troops set up checkpoints near Khan Arnabeh | Image from SOHR
This is just one of several new checkpoints that the IDF has established across Quneitra. Other checkpoints were reported further away from Khan Arnabeh, but also on other roads leading to and from the town.
Israel invaded Syria in December of last year, immediately following the ouster of the Assad government. Since then, they have seized the former demilitarized zone between Quneitra and the occupied Golan Heights, and have moved deeper into the country, often temporarily, operating in the Quneitra, Daraa and Rif Damashq Governorates.
Talks between Israel and Syria are ongoing but reportedly stalled on the call for Israel to withdraw from the demilitarized zone. A media report claiming Prime Minister Netanyahu refused to finalize a deal back in September has been dismissed by Israel as “fake news.”
