Israeli military activity in southern Syria remained extensive during May despite a decline in the total number of recorded incidents compared with previous months, according to a new report by the Sijil Center, which monitors Israeli violations in Syria. The report documented 205 violations during May, down from 254 in April and 321 in March, which marked the highest monthly total recorded this year.
While the figures indicate a gradual reduction in activity, the center noted violations remain significantly higher than levels documented at the beginning of 2025. Quneitra recorded the largest share of incidents with 163 violations, followed by Daraa with 41. The report also recorded one aerial overflight above Damascus.
Ground incursions represented the most common activity, accounting for 64 incursions involving military patrols, armored vehicles and occupational troop movements in the countryside of Quneitra and Daraa. According to the report, Israeli forces established positions in abandoned military sites and operated within villages and agricultural areas.
The center further documented 52 military and reconnaissance flights, 25 temporary checkpoints and 19 raids targeting homes, farms and civilian facilities. It also recorded 16 abductions of civilians, including shepherds and young men who were later released.
Farmers Face Growing Harvest Concerns
As the wheat and barley harvest season approaches, farmers in Quneitra have expressed concerns about the impact of ongoing occupational activity on agricultural production. Muhammad Rahal, head of the Quneitra Agriculture Directorate, told Arabi21 farmers face increasing difficulties accessing their lands in areas affected by Israeli incursions. He warned military activity and potential fires could result in substantial losses for local producers.
The concerns emerged following a meeting between the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and the Quneitra Farmers Union. According to union head Abdurahman Khalaf, farmers requested guarantees for safe access to their fields during the harvest season. The union agreed to submit lists of farmers’ names to facilitate coordination regarding access to agricultural lands near the occupied Golan Heights.
Khalaf also alleged Israeli forces restricted access to farmland, damaged crops and prevented livestock grazing in areas near the separation line. Local officials reported that over 150 hectares of land have become inaccessible because of recent military activity.
Expansion Projects and New Detentions
Recent developments indicate that Israeli military construction activities continue in Quneitra province. Locals report Israeli military vehicles were carrying out fortification and expansion work near Tel Akasha as part of the Sufa 53 project, an illegal engineering initiative extending across parts of land adjacent to the occupied Syrian Golan.
According to local sources cited by Syria TV, the project includes military roads, embankments, trenches and observation points. Researchers interviewed by the outlet said the initiative appears designed to establish a more permanent occupational force in southern Syria.
Meanwhile, local media reported a new incursion into the village of Abu Madhra in southern Quneitra on June 6. According to Syria TV, Israeli forces entered the village before dawn, raided a residence and kidnapped a young man whose whereabouts remain unknown. A separate patrol later entered the village of Asha.
International Attention on Border Tensions
The latest developments come amid growing international scrutiny of Israeli military operations in the region. During testimony before a Senate Budget Subcommittee, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated expanding Israeli control into territories in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza does not align with US policy.
According to remarks reported by Anadolu Agency, Rubio said Washington opposes steps that could “increase regional instability” and confirmed that US officials continue “discussions with Syrian authorities” regarding Israeli “security concerns.”
While military activity in southern Syria decreased during May compared with earlier months, monitoring groups and local residents report that incursions, detentions and construction projects continue to shape conditions in the border region, particularly in Quneitra and Daraa.
