The escalated infiltrations into southwest Syria from Israeli military forces continued apace on Monday, with forces advancing into both the Quneitra and Daraa Governorates and establishing multiple temporary checkpoints within.
Troops entered the area near Jamlah village, in Daraa, setting up a temporary checkpoint along the road to al-Saissoun but withdrawing from the area a few hours later. No detentions were reported during this incident.
Backed by a tank, more Israeli forces moved on the Tel Abu Al-Ghaythar gate, which connects Quneitra to the Daraa Governorate. Israeli officials have not disclosed the purpose of the mission, and there were no apparent clashes.
Israeli troops cross into Quneitra | Image from SOHR
Israeli forces have also engaged in “street leveling” operations in the same part of Daraa, with military vehicles engaged in operations surrounding the roads, conducting drilling work near the Daraa checkpoint while it was in place.
Later Sunday, Israeli forces entered Jabata al-Khashab, in the northern part of Quneitra, and stationed themselves in the town’s public square. Though it reported fueled concern by locals, no arrests were reported.
On Monday, Israeli forces set up a checkpoint near Samadaniyah, also in northern Quneitra. Locals were reportedly stopped and searched, though no detentions have yet been reported.
Also in the area around Jabata al-Khashab, Israeli military bulldozers were active in the al-Shahar forest, knocking down trees and generally clearing areas. It’s unclear what is meant to be accomplished, though this is not the first time they’ve moved against the forest, and they’ve now knocked down a substantial portion of it.
