Israeli troops sweep Syrian village in search of militants

A special operations unit of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly carried out a covert ground operation in the southern Syrian province of Quneitra, targeting the village of Tauranga.

Sources claim that approximately 100 Israeli special forces soldiers were involved in the incursion, which focused on conducting a comprehensive sweep of residential buildings and other structures within the village, Caliber.Az reports, citing Syrian media.

The objective was reportedly to locate hidden weapons stockpiles and ammunition depots believed to be connected to militant groups.

The area has long been known for the presence of radical Palestinian factions and pro-Iranian Shiite militias, whose activities have drawn increasing scrutiny from Israeli intelligence in recent months.

According to the report, the Israeli unit detained at least one local resident before withdrawing from Syrian territory. The identity of the individual and the nature of their alleged involvement with militant networks remain unclear at this time.

After the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024, Israel expanded its occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights by seizing the demilitarized buffer zone, a move that violated the 1974 disengagement agreement with Syria.

Israel also launched hundreds of airstrikes that targeted military sites and assets across Syria, including fighter jets, missile systems, and air defense installations, according to reports.

By Vafa Guliyeva