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Israel escalates ground operations in southern Syria amid arms trafficking crackdown
Israeli ground forces have intensified their operations in southern Syria, targeting arms trafficking networks near the annexed Golan Heights. The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) announced on Sunday that troops had conducted a nighttime raid, marking one of their most significant ground actions since the overthrow of Syria’s former president in December 2024.
Targeting arms trafficking near the Golan Heights
According to an official IOF statement, the operation involved simultaneous raids on four locations in the Hader region, close to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Troops reportedly conducted on-site interrogations of suspects and uncovered a cache of weapons believed to be part of trafficking operations.
The military also released footage showing soldiers in armored vehicles and on foot, carrying out the nighttime raids. The IOF claims this operation is part of ongoing efforts to prevent hostile elements from establishing a foothold in Syria, ostensibly to protect Israeli civilians, particularly in the Golan Heights.
Strikes follow escalating tensions with Syrian forces
The latest raids follow Israel’s July 16 airstrikes on Damascus, which targeted Syrian military headquarters. These strikes were justified by Israel under the pretext of protecting the Druze community in southern Syria, particularly in Sweida, where clashes erupted between Druze groups and Syrian security forces.
Since the toppling of Bashar Al Assad’s regime, Israel has ramped up its military activity in Syria, launching hundreds of airstrikes and ground operations. Israeli officials claim these actions aim to prevent advanced weaponry from falling into the hands of Syria’s new authorities, who are viewed by Israel with suspicion.
Calls for demilitarization
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated demands for the demilitarization of southern Syria, emphasizing the need to secure the Golan Heights and its surrounding areas. The IOF has also stationed forces in the UN-controlled buffer zone near the Golan Heights, further escalating its military presence in the region.
As tensions in southern Syria continue to rise, Israel’s actions reflect its broader strategy to maintain control over the region while countering perceived threats from armed groups and Syria’s emerging leadership.