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Israel continues to expand its military operations in Syria as the new government, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, struggles to stabilize the war-torn country.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) invaded Syria following the surprising fall of the Assad regime on December 8, advancing several kilometers in the governorates of al-Qunitra and Rif Dimashq and launching hundreds of strikes against bases and equipment of the now-dissolved Syrian Arab Army (SAA).
As of December 12, the IDF has reportedly entered the towns of Ruwaihinah and Umm Batinah in al-Quneitra where they reportedly destroyed several sites of the SAA. Israeli troops also called on the residents of the town of Mia`riyah in the western Daraa countryside to evacuate ahead of a possible push into the governorate.
Eyewitnesses from the region also reported Israeli strikes on the Syrian coast, targeting abandoned SAA sites in the governorates of Latakia and Tartus, including the Latakia port and warehouses near Tartus. For the fourth day in a row, the Israeli army has been systematically and with impunity eliminating the military capacities of the former SAA
More Israeli strikes were reported close to the Syrian capital, Damascus, later in the day, with reports of SAA sites being hit.
Some news agencies including Al-Araby Television and Sputnik reported on December 11 that Israeli commandos landed from helicopters inside SAA sites in the al-Qalamoun mountain chain close to Damascus. The main goal of the mission remains unclear.
Meanwhile Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the IDF was ready to “deepen” its advance in Syria and approach Damascus. It also said that Israel was prepared to stay in the country for “a long time.”
So far, the new government in Syria has not made any move against the IDF or even condemned Israel’s military operations in the country. This may be a part of a pragmatic policy, as the government is now working to solidify control over all of Syria.
Aside from Israel’s recent actions, the situation in the country remains tense, especially in the northern and eastern region.
In the northern Aleppo countryside, a ceasefire between the Syrian National Army, which is backed by Turkey, and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) was reported. However, clashes are still being reported from time to time.
Protests against the SDF were also reported in several parts of the governorates of Raqqa and Deir Ezzor, with people demanding to join the new government in Damascus. The group has reportedly signed its openings to talk with the government. However, it is still unclear if this will happen.
All in all, although the Assad regime has fallen, the war in Syria has not ended yet. The country may be heading to a new dangerous conflict.
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