Around 10 Israeli military vehicles reportedly enter Abidin village as Damascus seeks security agreement restoring 1974 disengagement lines

DAMASCUS: Israeli forces detained several young Syrian men on Monday during a military incursion into the western countryside of Daraa province in southern Syria, according to Syrian state broadcaster Al-Ikhbariyya TV.

The broadcaster reported that approximately 10 Israeli military vehicles entered Abidin village before troops detained several residents. It did not immediately provide details about the identities of those detained or the reasons for their detention.

The latest operation follows a series of Israeli military activities across southern Syrian areas bordering the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Israeli Raids Continue Across Southern Syria

Meanwhile, Israeli forces reportedly entered Al-Rafid in the Quneitra countryside late Saturday and searched several homes during the raid.

Southern Syria has witnessed frequent Israeli military incursions involving searches, arrests and temporary checkpoints. Israeli forces have also carried out attacks and expanded their presence in strategically important areas near the frontier.

The developments have heightened tensions as Syria’s new authorities attempt to restore stability following years of conflict and the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in late 2024.

Damascus Seeks Israeli Withdrawal to 1974 Lines

Following Assad’s fall, Israel expanded its control beyond the occupied Syrian Golan Heights by moving into the demilitarised buffer zone established under the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Israeli forces also seized additional strategic positions, including territory on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon.

Damascus has described Israel’s expanded military presence as a violation of the 1974 agreement and has repeatedly demanded a withdrawal.

Last month, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said his government was working with other countries to negotiate a security arrangement with Israel.

According to al-Sharaa, Damascus wants any agreement to ensure Israeli forces withdraw to positions established under the 1974 disengagement framework.

However, continued Israeli incursions into Daraa and Quneitra underline the persistent security tensions confronting southern Syria as diplomatic efforts to establish a new arrangement continue.