Israeli forces shelled areas in Syria’s southern Daraa province on Monday and briefly advanced across the border, according to Syrian state media, in an incident that Damascus said violated its sovereignty.
The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that Israeli forces launched the operation from a military position near the border before moving toward the village of Abideen. Residents reportedly blocked roads with stones in an attempt to stop the advance, while Israeli troops responded with gunfire and illumination flares before withdrawing.
The report said the shelling damaged homes and farmland, forcing some residents to leave for nearby towns. Israeli military aircraft and helicopters were also seen operating over Daraa and neighbouring Quneitra province during the day.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry condemned the operation, describing it as a breach of the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement of Forces, which established a UN-monitored buffer zone between Syrian and Israeli forces following the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.
The ministry warned that repeated military incursions into southern Syria could further increase regional tensions and called on the United Nations to ensure implementation of the agreement.
According to SANA, Israeli forces have expanded their presence in parts of southern Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. The agency said Israeli troops have established several forward positions and military infrastructure in areas near the occupied Golan Heights.
The Foreign Ministry also accused Israeli forces of detaining dozens of civilians and demolishing homes in villages in Quneitra province during previous operations.
