Israeli vehicles set up checkpoint in Quneitra, southwest Syria

Israeli forces advanced Thursday into Saida al-Hanout village in Quneitra province in southwest Syria, according to a SANA reporter in the area.

The reporter said an Israeli force composed of three “Hummer” military vehicles entered the village, set up a checkpoint at its western entrance, searched passersby and disrupted movement for a period before withdrawing from the area.

The development came a day after Israeli forces entered Ofania village in Quneitra countryside on Wednesday evening, while firing illumination flares and two artillery shells toward the vicinity of Tal al-Ahmar Ain al-Nouriya in northern Quneitra countryside.

Israel continues its violations of the 1974 disengagement agreement through incursions into southern Syrian territory and actions against residents, including raids, arrests and land bulldozing.

Syria has repeatedly called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from its territory, stating that measures taken in southern Syria are null and void and carry no legal effect under international law. Damascus has urged the international community to assume its responsibilities and press for a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Syria.

N.J