TEHRAN – The Israeli regime reportedly expanded the occupation of Kneitra, southwestern Syria.
Local sources told local media that Israeli forces had invaded the countryside of Queitra, accompanied by military support from occupying forces already deployed to Syrian territory. The operation reportedly focused on destroying Syrian military equipment in the region.
Regional reports say Israeli occupation forces infiltrated the village of Ain al-Nuurya in Kneitra, destroying the remains of two former Syrian forces, causing panic among the residents.
Reports suggest that Israeli occupation forces destroyed two former Syrian army units, mortar and anti-arm missile forces, on the strategic hills of Kneitra.
The presence of Israeli forces caused panic among local residents, especially as invasions increased and Israeli patrols increased across the countryside of Queitra and Mount Hermon.
This comes days after residents of another villager in Queitra refused assistance from Israeli occupation forces and firmly stated that they would not accept support from the entities occupying the land.
Locals told local news outlets that Israeli professional soldiers would come and go to the village more than 10 times a day, conduct home searches and instill fear among women and children.
Queneitra is considered an important region in Israeli territorial ambitions, particularly after the fall of the Syrian government prior to December 2024.
Its strategic location and proximity to the main boundaries makes it essential for the administration’s broader geopolitical purpose.
The area is next to the height of Syrian Golan, occupied by Israel, and extends to the capital Damascus, surrounds the countryside and into nearby provinces adjacent to Jordan. Its geographical positioning makes it strategically important.
The Israeli army gained the entire height of Goran and destroyed more than 80% of Syrian military assets following the overthrow of the Assad government. This marked a major change in the balance of power between Syria and its longtime enemy.
The new ruler of Damascus showed no resistance to Israel’s expansion and ongoing occupation of Syrian territory, allowing Israel’s rule to solidify without opposition.
Earlier this month, the Washington Post reported that Israeli forces had built a series of permanent military settlements in several occupied Syrian villages, further seizing control over the region.