Israel is launching an increasing number of incursions into southwest Syria, targeting both the Quneitra and Daraa Governorates. At least 22 such incursions have already been documented so far this month, with more happening all the time.
The highest profile incidents in recent days have been happening in Daraa Governorate, around the village of Maariyah, which is in that little cusp of Syria between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and the Jordan border.
Israel has been operating in the area in growing numbers and has established multiple military outposts in Syria, one of which is down the road from Maariyah. Protesting the Israeli presence in the area, villagers had blocked the rural road with stones, which the IDF forces later cleared.
Villages placed stones on a road to block IDF vehicles | Image from SOHR
Later reports also had Israeli troops attacking Maariyah outright, opening fire on the village homes with heavy machine guns. No details have yet emerged on any casualties from the attack, though homes were hit and it caused panic in the small village.
In Quneitra, multiple raids have been reported over the past two days, including troops entering Bassali village to search homes and an operation in Muallaqah which saw a temporary checkpoint established.
The IDF checkpoints tend to quite temporary, often lasting only a few hours and seemingly accomplishing little but harassing passers-by. One person was reported detained at the checkpoint, but he was released within the hour.
