Israeli Army Advances in Southern Syria: Escalating Tensions Unfold
The Israeli military has intensified its operations in southern Syria, raising concerns about regional stability. According to Syrian media, Israeli forces penetrated the Yarmouk Basin area in the western countryside of Daraa Governorate once again on the night spanning Friday to Saturday, marking yet another incursion into Syrian territory.
Military Incursion in Yarmouk Basin
Firstly, local news network “Daraa 24” reported that an Israeli force, consisting of various vehicles and machinery, advanced into the northern outskirts of Maariya village in the Yarmouk Basin. As reported by Syria TV on Saturday, Israeli troops stationed at the Al-Jazira military barracks on the village’s edge also fired illuminating bombs into the night sky, signaling their presence and intent in the region.
Aerial Surveillance Over Southern Syria
Moreover, this ground operation coincided with extensive activity by Israeli reconnaissance aircraft. Specifically, these planes were observed flying over the Yarmouk Basin and several towns across Daraa and Quneitra governorates, with their surveillance lasting over an hour. Consequently, this heightened aerial presence has fueled local fears of further escalations in an already volatile area.
Broader Israeli Strategy in March
Additionally, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted that since the beginning of March, Israeli forces have conducted a series of military actions in the rural areas of Daraa and Quneitra. These operations have included storming military sites, conducting house searches, detaining civilians, and targeting weapon storage facilities. Accordingly, this reflects a deliberate Israeli strategy aimed at preventing any military buildup near its borders, especially following recent shifts in Syrian dynamics.
In conclusion, these repeated incursions underscore Israel’s proactive stance in securing its frontier, though they risk deepening tensions with Syria’s local population and authorities, potentially destabilizing the region further.
