Tensions in southern Syria: highway closure, Israeli remarks from Quneitra

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, security tensions escalated yesterday in southern Syria, with the Damascus–As-Suwayda road being intermittently blocked in both directions, particularly at the al-Masmiyah checkpoint. The tension erupted between a force from the General Security Directorate in Damascus and local tribal groups that control the checkpoint.

Sources indicate that the Damascus-based force aimed to take over the checkpoint after multiple civilian complaints about abuses they faced while passing through the security checkpoint. However, the tribal groups have so far refused to withdraw, while negotiations continue amid an atmosphere of anticipation and tension.

In a separate development, armed men kidnapped three young men from the Houla area in the countryside of Homs while they were in As-Suwayda. Information suggests that the abduction was in retaliation for the detention of a man from As-Suwayda by the General Security Directorate.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army announced that Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir conducted a field tour inside Syrian territory on Tuesday, warning that the army would strike any tangible threat anywhere it appears.

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee quoted Zamir as saying: “Syria has collapsed and is undergoing changes. We are holding onto critical points and will continue to operate beyond the borders to defend ourselves.” He added, “We will strike any tangible threat, whether existing or emerging, wherever necessary,” stressing the importance of preemptive defense in the Golan Heights.

A-H 

ANHA