Israel Captures Members of Iran-Backed Cell in Syria

Israeli forces have intensified operations in southern Syria, apprehending members of an Iran-linked cell in the Tel Kudna area. This marks the second such operation announced within a week, reflecting ongoing efforts to counter Iranian influence near the Israeli border.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that troops conducted a nighttime operation targeting a cell operated by Iran’s Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The operation resulted in the arrest of several operatives deemed a threat in the region. The IDF emphasized that these actions are part of broader measures to prevent the establishment of hostile entities in proximity to Israeli territory.

Local sources, including the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, confirmed that Israeli forces raided homes in the Quneitra countryside, detaining individuals suspected of involvement with Iranian-backed groups. This follows a similar operation earlier in the week, where Israeli forces apprehended members of an Iranian-backed cell and seized weapons.

Since the fall of the Assad regime in December, Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes and ground raids in Syria, aiming to disrupt the activities of Iranian-backed militias and prevent the transfer of advanced weaponry to groups like Hezbollah. The IDF has also established a presence in strategic areas along the border, conducting regular patrols and surveillance to monitor and counter potential threats.

These operations occur amidst heightened regional tensions, with Israel expressing concerns over Iran’s expanding influence through proxy groups in Syria and Lebanon. The Israeli government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining security along its northern border and preventing the entrenchment of hostile forces in neighboring territories.

While the Syrian government has not officially commented on the recent raids, the ongoing Israeli military activities underscore the complex security dynamics in the region and the challenges associated with the power vacuum following the Assad regime’s collapse. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for broader regional stability.