The Israeli army has intensified its operations in southern Syria, amid continued arrests, attacks, and the daily setting up of checkpoints that disrupt movement between towns.
Enab Baladi’s correspondent reported that Israeli forces arrested a young man, Ammar al-Bareedi, on Monday, July 20, as he passed through an Israeli checkpoint in Sida Golan (southern Quneitra, southwestern Syria), while heading toward al-Razaniyah.
The correspondent added that al-Bareedi was arrested while traveling to work. The Israeli army detained him after questioning him and learning that he was from Daraa (southern Syria).
The correspondent said an Israeli patrol entered the Sida al-Hanout area on Monday morning and set up a checkpoint to search people traveling along the town’s main road in southern Quneitra countryside.
Artillery Shelling
The Israeli army carried out several artillery attacks against areas of Quneitra countryside on Sunday, July 19.
The official Syrian Arab News Agency, SANA, reported that Israeli forces shelled the vicinity of Abu Rajm farm in southern Quneitra countryside.
SANA added that four artillery shells landed in agricultural land surrounding Abu Rajm farm, which is affiliated with Sida Golan, without causing injuries.
Enab Baladi’s correspondent also reported that Israeli army shells landed in agricultural land west of Ain al-Qadi village in southern Quneitra countryside.
Israeli artillery also targeted eastern Tal al-Ahmar with several shells.
Israeli forces had previously shelled empty agricultural areas near Hamidiyah town.
The correspondent said explosions heard in central Quneitra countryside were caused by three shells fired by Israeli forces stationed at the Hamidiyah base toward agricultural land surrounding the village.
The Israeli shelling caused no casualties among residents, according to the correspondent.
Drone Intercepted
Amid continued security tensions in southern Syria, explosions were heard on the evening of Sunday, July 19, in the Mount Hermon area of northern Quneitra countryside.
Enab Baladi’s correspondent said the explosions heard over Mount Hermon were caused by Israel intercepting a drone in the area.
The correspondent added that Israeli warplanes flew over the area before the drone was intercepted.
Israeli warplanes had not been seen over the area for two months, according to the correspondent.
The Israeli army announced that it had intercepted a drone in the area and said it had opened an investigation to determine where the aircraft had been launched.
Villages and towns in the Daraa and Quneitra countryside continue to face Israeli army incursions, which are sometimes accompanied by arrest campaigns and the intimidation of residents.
The Syrian government has avoided a military response, limiting its reaction to condemnation and diplomatic measures while calling for a return to the boundaries established under the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
The series of Israeli incursions began immediately after the fall of the former Syrian regime on December 8, 2024. Israel claims that the operations are intended to protect its national security.