Quneitra, southwest Syria – Israeli army units set fire to several hectares of land in the countryside of Quneitra province in southwest Syria on Friday, according to our correspondent.
The correspondent reported that an Israeli military unit ignited the blaze in the village of Al-Rafid, burning large areas of farmland. UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) teams attempted to contain the flames using basic equipment but struggled to control the spread.
Quneitra’s Deputy Governor, Mohammad Al-Saeed, said Israel’s military actions in the province have deprived thousands of Syrians of their livelihoods. He stated that the Israeli army has built over eight military outposts inside the UN-monitored buffer zone, shutting off about 6,000 hectares of farmland and pasture.
“This has pushed livestock farming to the brink of collapse in an area already suffering from severe drought,” Al-Saeed said, adding that Israel justifies its presence by claiming Hezbollah and Iranian forces operate there; claims Syria denies, saying government security forces now control the area.
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“These Israeli violations are not just military; they directly impact daily life. People can no longer access their farmland or grazing areas,” he added.
The deputy governor also warned that repeated power cuts linked to Israeli military activity are threatening water wells, telecom services, and could worsen displacement, according to Anadolu Agency.
Earlier Friday, a landmine exploded west of Al-Rafid near the Golan border, our correspondent reported, adding that site has been used for past Israeli military drills.
On Monday, the Israeli army announced it had dismantled an alleged “Quds Force cell” in Syria’s Daraa province. Army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the cell was dismantled by troops from the Alexandroni Brigade (Brigade 3) of the 210th Division during a nighttime raid in Tel Kodnah, citing intelligence from Unit 504.
Adraee claimed the operation was part of ongoing efforts to prevent “any hostile entity” from establishing itself in southern Syria.
