Israeli troops continue to operate in the southwestern Quneitra Governorate of Syria, establishing yet another checkpoint and harassing civilians on the road connecting Jbata al-Khashab and Ofania, preventing some of them from continuing on their way.
Though details are still emerging, some reports indicated that the Israeli troops, backed by tanks and armored vehicles, were intimidating locals and some cases even assaulted some of them. No arrests were confirmed, however.
The northern countryside around Jbata al-Khashab seems to be an increasing focus for invading Israeli forces, who while not occupying the populated areas outright, are routinely raiding homes to search them and set up checkpoints intermittently.
IDF fires flares on the outskirts of Jbata al-Khashab | Image from SOHR
In addition to this weekend’s checkpoint, Israeli troops also fired flare grenades at the southern part of the outskirts of Jbata al-Khashab. The IDF did not issue any statements related to the increasing operations in that area, which is in the northern part of Quneitra.
Part of this seems to be a focus on the forested nature reserve near the town of Jbata al-Khashab, as Israeli military bulldozers are routinely entering that area and knocking down trees. Over 100 dunams of trees (approximately 25 acres) have been destroyed so far.
Elsewhere in Quneitra Governorate, Israeli troops raided the village of Saida al-Hanout, setting up a barrier at the village entrance and then entering, though they reportedly left shortly thereafter and again, it was not clear why they were there.
