ALWAGHT- In a major escalation, Israeli ground forces have carried out their deepest incursion yet into Syrian territory, striking locations in the southwestern provinces of Quneitra and Dara’a.
Israeli ground forces carried out their deepest incursion into Syrian territory on Tuesday, just hours after airstrikes near Tartus. Backed by helicopters and armored convoys, the troops advanced into several areas within the southwestern provinces of Quneitra and Dara’a, focusing on Tel al-Mal and al-Mashara. Reports indicate that Israeli units infiltrated a military site near Quneitra’s capital, conducted searches, and later withdrew.
Observers note that this marks Israel’s deepest advance into Syria since 1967, surpassing even the ongoing escalation that began in November 2024. Prior to the incursion, Israeli warplanes targeted a Syrian air defense battalion near Tartus, causing material damage but no casualties. Israel claims these attacks aim to prevent weapons from falling into “hostile hands” and to contain violence from spreading into occupied Palestinian territories.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also ordered military preparations to "protect" the Druze community near Damascus, vowing retaliation if they face harm. Additionally, Israel has called for the demilitarization of southern Syria, triggering protests from Syrians denouncing Tel Aviv’s interference in their country’s sovereignty.
