Israeli forces blow up military site near Damascus and advance in Quneitra

Israeli forces detonated an abandoned military site in the western countryside of Damascus on Monday, while another unit penetrated southern Quneitra with six vehicles. Syrian state television reported that the detonation targeted a deserted military barracks at Tal Harbon, located near the town of Beit Jinn in rural Damascus. The official broadcaster added that an Israeli force consisting of six military vehicles pushed south of the town of Al-Rufaid in Quneitra province. Israeli troops reportedly barred local residents from digging foundations for construction in the area, while Israeli authorities issued no immediate statement regarding the developments. These recurring military incursions across southern Syria continue despite demands from Damascus for a complete Israeli withdrawal and an end to sovereign violations. On Friday, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights revealed that approximately 280 armed Israeli incursions into Syria were recorded throughout September, marking the highest monthly count this year, with at least 49 Syrian citizens currently detained by Israel. Israel has occupied most of the Syrian Golan Heights since 1967. Following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime on December 8, 2024, Israel announced the nullification of the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement, seizing the buffer zone and key positions including Mount Hermon's Syrian slope.