Israeli Troops Face Resistance from Residents as They Push into a Town in Syria

Israeli troops and military vehicles entered the southern Syrian town of Abdin, where residents blocked roads with rocks and some young men and boys threw stones in an attempt to stop the military patrol.

Tensions have escalated in this part of southern Syria, where Israeli forces control a U.N.-monitored buffer zone. Residents fear that violence could intensify following the latest confrontation. On Sunday, people in Abdin resisted an Israeli military incursion near the buffer zone.

According to residents, Israeli troops first fired warning shots at walls and between protesters before later shelling the village with artillery. Although no one was injured, most residents fled the area and many remained too frightened to return on Monday. Locals fear the clash could lead to more frequent military raids and incursions.

Mohammad al-Hassan, a resident standing near an unexploded artillery shell, said:

“They come into the village regularly, every few days. They arrive in armoured 4x4 vehicles, patrol the village, search houses, knock on doors, and if no one answers, they break the doors down and enter. Women and children start screaming. It is terrifying whenever they come here.”

Israel says buffer zones are needed for security

Israel seized control of a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone in southern Syria in December 2024, following the overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during an insurgent offensive.

Israeli officials initially described the move as a temporary security measure to protect Israel's borders from militant groups. However, senior Israeli officials have more recently stated that they intend to maintain control of the buffer zone indefinitely.