Quneitra, Syria – January 6, 2026 – Israeli military vehicles rolled into southern Syria's Quneitra province again today, marking the latest in a series of provocative entries into Syrian territory. Reports from local sources detail up to 12 vehicles advancing into villages like Bariqa, Kudna, Saida al-Golan, and Ruzaniyah from entry points such as Bir Ajam and Tal Abu Ghaithar. Soldiers set up checkpoints, searched homes, and briefly detained residents before withdrawing hours later, amid US-mediated talks in Paris to revive the 1974 disengagement agreement.
Since Bashar al-Assad's regime fell one year ago in late 2024, Israel has nullified the buffer zone pact, conducting near-daily operations—over 500 documented incursions, patrols, airstrikes, and shootings across southern Syria. These include bombings targeting alleged militant sites and ground raids with live fire exchanges, expanding control beyond the Golan Heights. Syrian forces have refrained from retaliation as negotiations continue, though Damascus condemns the moves as sovereignty violations.
Al Jazeera and Anadolu Agency report heightened tensions, with today's raid following three similar ones on January 5. Analysts warn of escalation risks despite diplomatic efforts.
