Israeli forces have continued a pattern of incursions into Syrian territory, most recently entering the southern province of Quneitra, according to reports from Syrian state media. The incursions, which began intensifying in late 2025, are raising concerns about escalating tensions in the region and the potential for broader conflict.
Recent Incursions and Syrian Response
On , Israeli army vehicles entered the village of Saida al-Hanout in Quneitra province, advancing towards Tel Kurum Ceba, according to Syria’s state-run news agency, SANA. Prior to this, on an unspecified date, Israeli forces entered the village of East Samdaniyya and subsequently withdrew. These actions follow a previous incursion on , where Israeli soldiers entered the northern countryside of Quneitra, establishing a checkpoint and detaining two young men who were tending livestock.
Syrian state television, Al-Ikhbariya, reported on , that Israeli aircraft had sprayed an unidentified liquid substance over agricultural lands in the Quneitra countryside. The nature of this substance remains unknown.
SANA reports that Israeli forces have been routinely conducting air strikes and ground incursions into Syrian territory, particularly in the Quneitra and Dera countryside, resulting in the detention of civilians, the establishment of checkpoints, and damage to agricultural lands. These incursions are described as occurring on an almost daily basis.
Escalation of Clashes in Northern Syria
Alongside the Israeli activity in the south, deadly clashes have erupted between Syrian government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the northern Aleppo governorate. At least four people were killed in artillery fire and gun battles, with reports indicating the use of drones by both sides. The fighting is concentrated in the districts of Ashrafiyah and Sheikh Maqsoud, areas with a significant Kurdish population.
On , SANA reported that a soldier was killed and three injured in an attack by SDF fighters. Later, state television reported that three civilians, including two women, were killed and others wounded, including two children, in shelling of a residential area blamed on the SDF. The Syria Now news platform reported that the fighting began when the SDF launched a drone in the al-Midan neighbourhood of Aleppo.
Israeli Activity in Quneitra and the Golan Heights
The recent Israeli incursions into Quneitra are not isolated incidents. Israeli forces have repeatedly crossed into Syrian territory, carrying out air strikes and establishing military checkpoints. On , the Israeli army conducted a fourth incursion into the Quneitra countryside in two days, setting up a military checkpoint in the village of Rasm al-Qita and preventing the movement of residents. Another checkpoint was reportedly established on the road linking Abu Ghara village and Suwaisa town.
The Israeli military has also made incursions into Syrian territory outside of the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement. These incursions have sparked protests by local residents, who allege that Israeli forces have demolished homes and prevented farmers from accessing their fields. Reports indicate that Israeli troops have, on at least two occasions, opened fire on protesters.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that its deployment to the buffer zone was a temporary security precaution, dependent on developments in Syria, aimed at preventing hostile elements from entering the area. However, the continued incursions and the lack of a clear timeline for withdrawal are fueling frustration among local residents.
Failed Attempts at Integration
The clashes between Syrian government forces and the SDF come after recent talks in Damascus between senior SDF leaders and Syrian government officials regarding the potential integration of the SDF into the regular army. However, these talks have so far failed to yield any progress. The ongoing fighting suggests a breakdown in negotiations and a continuation of the complex and volatile security situation in Syria.
The situation in Syria remains deeply unstable, with multiple actors involved and overlapping conflicts. The continued Israeli incursions, the clashes between Syrian government forces and the SDF, and the broader regional geopolitical context all contribute to a highly complex and unpredictable environment. The impact on civilians, particularly in the affected regions of Quneitra and Aleppo, is significant, with reports of casualties and displacement.
