Israeli forces carry out more than 97 incursions into Syria in September

Southern Syria witnessed an escalation in Israeli military activity inside Syrian territory throughout September, amid repeated incursions into villages and towns in Quneitra and Daraa provinces. In some cases, the incursions extended into the western Damascus countryside and were accompanied by raids and searches of homes, the establishment of temporary checkpoints, the detention of civilians, gunfire, artillery shelling and earthmoving operations.

According to monitoring by ANHA agency’s correspondents, Israeli incursions and military movements during September exceeded 97 operations across Quneitra, Daraa and the Damascus countryside. The Yarmouk Basin in western Daraa countryside saw the highest concentration of activity, particularly in the villages of Jumla, Maariya, Abdeen, Wadi al-Raqad and Saisoun.

In Quneitra province, the activity was concentrated in Ruwaihinah, Taranja, Jubata al-Khashab, Kodana, Hamidiyah, Khan Arnabeh, Saida al-Hanout, Umm al-Adham, Ofaniya, Ain Zivan and Bariqa, in addition to other areas near the disengagement line. Some operations also extended to Beit Jinn in the western Damascus countryside.

The incursions varied in nature, including the entry of military vehicles and tanks into villages and agricultural roads, searches of homes and farms, questioning residents and shepherds, and the establishment of checkpoints to inspect pedestrians and vehicles. The activity also included gunfire, the firing of illumination flares and attacks on civilians.

Checkpoints and Detentions

September saw the establishment of temporary Israeli checkpoints, including in Al-Muallaqa, Samadaniyah, Asbaha, Razaniyah, Al-Mushayrifah, Maariya, Umm al-Adham, Rasm al-Halabi, the Wadi al-Raqad Bridge, and along the road connecting Saisoun and Jumla. More than 46 checkpoints were recorded during the month.

The month also saw detentions of shepherds, young men and civilians in several areas. ANHA documented the arrest of nine people in Ruwaihinah, Saida al-Hanout, Wadi al-Raqad, Maariya and Hurriya. They were later released.

Shelling and Targeting

Alongside the incursions, Israeli shelling of Syrian territory continued. ANHA recorded 19 artillery shelling incidents.

The shelling targeted areas in Quneitra, Daraa and the western Damascus countryside, including Ruwaihinah, Bir Ajam Forest, eastern Samadaniyah, Tal al-Hamriyah near Taranja, Kodana and Bariqa, Jumla, Abdeen and Hamidiyah, as well as the vicinity of Beit Jinn.

During some operations, Israeli forces also used heavy machine guns and illumination flares and opened fire toward agricultural land and the vicinity of civilian homes, causing material damage.

Earthmoving, Fortification and Consolidation of Military Presence

Israeli activity was not limited to temporary incursions. It was also accompanied by earthmoving, road construction, the erection of berms and improvements to military positions, as well as preventing farmers and shepherds from accessing some areas.

Field data indicate continued activity within a network of Israeli military positions established since late 2024. Among the most prominent are positions at Tal Ahmar, Jubata al-Khashab, Hamidiyah, Al-Jazira and sites on Mount Hermon, which continue to serve as launching points for incursions into villages and agricultural areas.

There is no reliable evidence confirming the establishment of an entirely new military base during September. However, fortification and earthmoving operations continued around several existing positions.

In Beit Jinn in the western Damascus countryside, movements involving tanks, bulldozers and heavy machinery were recorded, alongside searches of farmers and passersby in agricultural areas surrounding the town.

One of the most prominent events in September was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Syrian territory on September 9, when he reached the summit of Mount Hermon accompanied by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Deputy Chief of Staff Tamir Yadai. During the military visit, Netanyahu said Israel controls the area extending from Mount Hermon to the Yarmouk, a move that drew Syrian condemnation and prompted diplomatic action at the United Nations.

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ANHA