Israel confirms military presence in Syria’s buffer zone to ensure security

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed the deployment of troops into the buffer zone along the Syrian border.

"Based on the situation assessment following recent events in Syria, including the entry of armed individuals into the buffer zone, the Israel Defense Forces have deployed forces in the buffer zone to ensure the security of the Golan Heights communities and Israeli citizens," Caliber.Az reports, citing the IDF’s statement.

The IDF emphasised that Israel is not intervening in Syria's internal affairs.

On December 7, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that armed individuals had infiltrated the buffer zone along the ceasefire line from the Syrian side. Following the collapse of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the capture of Damascus by Islamist rebels on December 8, the IDF decided to tighten restrictions on several cities near the Syrian border.

In particular, checkpoints will be set up around the Golan Heights. On the same day, Israel launched airstrikes on targets in the Aleppo province. Israeli politicians are urging the government to take measures to prevent jihadists’ presence along the border.

By Naila Huseynova