Israel (Washington Insider) - Israeli forces detained 3 civilians in Quneitra, Syria, amid rising operations—over 1,000 airstrikes and 400 raids since Dec 2024. UN mission investigates; Turkish FM Hakan Fidan warns SDF delays March 10 agreement.
As Daily Sabah reported, Israeli forces carried out an operation in southern Syria, detaining 3 civilians near the village of al-Hamidiyah in the Quneitra countryside. The civilians were gathering firewood when they were stopped by an Israeli patrol. They were later released.
The patrol moved along the road connecting Jabaata al-Khashab and Ayn al-Bayda, where soldiers set up a temporary checkpoint. Pedestrians and vehicles were checked and questioned about the Israeli presence in the area.
There was no immediate response from Israeli or Syrian authorities. Local media said such operations have become more frequent in recent weeks. Residents reported that these actions are increasing tension and creating instability in the region.
What is driving Israel’s rising military activity in Syria and its impact on the SDF?
Israeli activity in southern Syria is part of ongoing efforts to monitor armed groups and militias near the border. Syrian officials said repeated operations make it harder to maintain security and attract economic investment. Some Israeli strikes have also caused civilian casualties and damaged infrastructure, according to Syrian sources.
Israeli military activity in Syria has risen sharply since December 2024, according to Syrian government data. Israel has carried out more than 1,000 airstrikes across the country and over 400 cross-border raids into southern provinces.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said this activity is affecting the YPG/PKK-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Speaking to Al-Jazeera Arabic, Fidan said the SDF is delaying the March 10 agreement, which aims to bring armed groups under Syrian state control, because of increased Israeli operations.
A United Nations investigation team came to Quneitra province, Syria, to investigate reported violations committed by Israel. According to Syrian media reports, the United Nations team will record temporary checkpoints, patrolling, and other behaviour of Israeli Military establishments.
There are currently 8 military bases of Israel within the borders of Syria, stretching from the summit of Mount Hermon to the Yarmouk Basin located in the southern part of the Dara Governorate.
Each base is designed to track the activities of armed groups present in Syria as well as to provide security for strategic areas adjacent to the Israeli/Syrian border. The Government of Syria claims that the military presence of Israel in Syria contributes to an overall reduction of Regional Security and continues to delay Syrian National Control.