Israel Establishes New Military Checkpoint in Northern Quneitra, Syria
Local sources in southern Syria have reported that Israeli forces entered the village of Ofania in the northern countryside of Quneitra early this morning, blocking the village’s entrances and setting up a military checkpoint.
According to these sources, the operation was carried out by a patrol consisting of approximately 60 soldiers and 15 armored vehicles. Israeli forces also established a checkpoint on the road connecting Ofania village to the town of Jibata al-Khashab, controlling the movement of local residents.
Syrian sources added that one day prior, Israeli forces had conducted a similar operation on the road between the towns of al-Ma’allaqa and Ghadir al-Bustan in the Quneitra countryside. Moreover, more than a week ago, these forces advanced towards the al-Mantara Dam in central Quneitra countryside.
Quneitra, located in southern Syria near the ceasefire line with Israel, has witnessed repeated military tensions in recent years. Reports indicate that after Bashar al-Assad’s fall on December 8, 2024, Israeli military activities in this province have increased, with most actions concentrated in the rural areas of Quneitra.
These movements continue amid concerns from observers who view the establishment of checkpoints and restrictions on civilian movement as part of mounting pressures on Syria’s territorial sovereignty and the security of local residents. This has raised fears about escalating instability in Syria’s south.
