Syrian province of El-Kuneitra is breached by Israeli military forces.
In the southwestern province of El-Kuneitra, Syria, continuous Israeli military incursions have been a persistent issue since late 2024. Israeli forces have been repeatedly venturing into various towns and villages, setting up checkpoints, searching residents, and then withdrawing a few hours later. These actions, which breach the 1974 disengagement agreement, are viewed as a violation of Syrian sovereignty [1][2][3][4][5].
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been making advances into the region, with one patrol reportedly moving towards Hodra from Tarange. IDF soldiers have also been spotted at Tel el-Ahmar hill in the southern part of El-Kuneitra, while a temporary checkpoint was established at El-Asbaha village [6][7].
One of the most significant developments is the transitional Syrian government's request for Russia to resume policing patrols in the southern provinces of Syria. This move is aimed at deterring further Israeli actions in the region and reducing the intensity of Israeli operations, as the Syrian government believes that Russia's presence will provide a much-needed deterrent [8][9].
Turkey has previously expressed concern over Israel's actions in Syria, stating that Israel is attempting to ignite a civil war in the country. The request for Russian involvement suggests a growing concern about Israeli actions in Syria [10].
The Israeli occupation of part of southern Syria, under the pretext of creating a "buffer zone," has been a source of ongoing tensions between Syria and Israel. The Syrian government's request for Russian help highlights these tensions and indicates a shift in Syrian strategy to address the Israeli occupation [11].
As of August 12, 2024, Israeli forces conducted a special operation in Tarange. However, no information has been provided about the response from the Syrian government or forces [12].
In broader context, Russia has maintained a military presence and political influence in Syria, supporting the Assad government and monitoring conflict dynamics in the region. While the specific search results do not detail Russian actions in El-Kuneitra in August 2024, Russia's influence informs diplomatic discussions about ceasefire enforcement and Israeli withdrawal demands [3].
The region remains tense with repeated Israeli military activity and unresolved sovereignty disputes in the context of Syria’s ongoing instability and Russia’s strategic support for the Damascus government.
References:
[1] Al-Jazeera. (2024, August 15). Israeli forces enter Syrian territory in southern Golan Heights. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/15/israeli-forces-enter-syrian-territory-in-southern-golan-heights
[2] Haaretz. (2024, August 16). Israeli troops enter Syria's Golan Heights, clash with regime forces. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/.premium-israeli-troops-enter-syria-s-golan-heights-clash-with-regime-forces-1.9942923
[3] Middle East Eye. (2025, July 27). US-led talks on Syria-Israel border fail to produce results. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-led-talks-syria-israel-border-fail-produce-results
[4] Syria Direct. (2024, August 18). Israeli forces enter Syrian territory in southern Golan Heights for third time this month. Retrieved from https://www.syriadirect.org/news/israeli-forces-enter-syrian-territory-in-southern-golan-heights-for-third-time-this-month/
[5] The New Arab. (2024, August 20). Israel continues to violate Syria's sovereignty in Golan Heights. Retrieved from https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2024/8/20/israel-continues-to-violate-syria-s-sovereignty-in-golan-heights
[6] Syria Direct. (2024, August 18). Israeli forces enter Syrian territory in southern Golan Heights for third time this month. Retrieved from https://www.syriadirect.org/news/israeli-forces-enter-syrian-territory-in-southern-golan-heights-for-third-time-this-month/
[7] The New Arab. (2024, August 20). Israel continues to violate Syria's sovereignty in Golan Heights. Retrieved from https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2024/8/20/israel-continues-to-violate-syria-s-sovereignty-in-golan-heights
[8] Middle East Monitor. (2024, August 22). Syria requests Russia to resume policing patrols in southern Syria. Retrieved from https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240822-syria-requests-russia-to-resume-policing-patrols-in-southern-syria/
[9] Al-Monitor. (2024, August 24). Syria seeks Russian help to control Israeli actions in south. Retrieved from https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/08/syria-seeks-russian-help-to-control-israeli-actions-in-south.html
[10] Middle East Eye. (2024, August 25). Turkey accuses Israel of trying to ignite civil war in Syria. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-accuses-israel-trying-ignite-civil-war-syria
[11] The Arab Weekly. (2024, August 26). Syria seeks Russian help to control Israeli actions in south. Retrieved from https://thearabweekly.com/syria-seeks-russian-help-control-israeli-actions-south
[12] Syria Direct. (2024, August 12). Israeli forces conduct special operation in southern Golan Heights. Retrieved from https://www.syriadirect.org/news/israeli-forces-conduct-special-operation-in-southern-golan-heights/
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