With growing numbers of incursions reported by Israeli forces into southwest Syria, the latest incidents are noteworthy both for being unusual in size and in one case for going far deeper into Syria than previous operations.
Dozens of Israeli soldiers, supported by at least 15 military vehicles, entered Syria today and headed into the town of Jbata al-Khashab. The troops raided and searched multiple homes en route, and captured at least two people.
There was no word on what the two were detained over, nor is their likely to be, as generally people captured by Israeli forces just disappear into the Israeli system for weeks or even months on end.
Israeli troops raise the flag over Hadr, Quneitra Governorate | Image from SOHR
Three Syrians were released from Israeli custody today back into the Quneitra Governorate, following nearly a full year in captivity. The reasons for their initial detention, and indeed for their eventual release, were never made public.
Families of the missing detainees held a rally outside of UNDOF headquarters only yesterday, noting that there is little to no information on the fate of their relatives, and some of the released had reportedly detainees still held in struggling health.
UNDOF, for its part, held a tour in al-Rafid, in Quneitra, today. That town is regularly raided by Israeli forces, and the UNDOF were taking testimonies from locals regarding the incursions, which are becoming increasingly common.
Shelling was reported in the area of Saida al-Golan, and Israeli forces also reportedly entered that village, though in this case, no detentions were reported. But to the north, infiltration got even deeper.
Israeli troops reportedly got all the way to the Talat Bat Al-Warda, in Rif Damasq Governorate. Though this is not the first time forces have advanced this far north, it is extremely unusual, and as with most other operations, this is coming without any statements from the IDF regarding to what end they’re doing so.
