Israeli forces have made a new ground incursion into Syria’s southern Daraa province, entering the Wadi al-Raqad area with several military vehicles.
Syrian state media reported that around nine Israeli military vehicles moved into the area on September 18. The Yarmouk Basin region has seen repeated Israeli military activity in recent months.
The latest operation reportedly included patrols and the detention of a local shepherd. Syrian authorities have repeatedly called for Israeli forces to withdraw from Syrian territory.
Israel expanded its military presence in southern Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, when Israeli forces entered the UN-monitored buffer zone and nearby areas.
The Israeli government has described its military presence as temporary and linked to security concerns, while Syria says the operations violate its sovereignty and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
The United Nations has expressed concern over Israel’s increasingly sustained military activity in southern Syria, including ground incursions, patrols, raids and the detention of civilians.
The latest developments come as Syria continues efforts to rebuild after years of conflict, with repeated Israeli operations adding to tensions along the southern border.
The situation remains closely watched as Damascus calls for an Israeli withdrawal and regional efforts continue to reduce tensions between Syria and Israel.
