Residents flee southern Syrian village after Israeli incursion sparks tensions

Residents of a southern Syrian village fled their homes after Israeli troops entered the area, triggering clashes that have heightened fears of further military incursions and instability along the border.

As Israeli troops and military vehicles entered the village of Abdin on Sunday, residents blocked roads with rocks while some young men and boys threw stones in an attempt to drive back the patrol.

The latest unrest comes amid growing tensions in southern Syria, where Israel has occupied a buffer zone near the border. Abdin lies close to the UN-patrolled demilitarised zone, which is now controlled by Israeli forces.

Residents said Israeli troops initially fired warning shots at walls and between protesters before shelling the village with artillery. Although no one was injured, most residents fled and many remained too frightened to return on Monday, fearing more raids and military operations.

"They come into the village regularly, every few days," said resident Mohammad al-Hassan, standing near children examining an unexploded shell.

"They arrive in armoured 4x4 vehicles, patrol the village, search houses and knock on doors. If no one answers, they force their way in. Women and children start screaming. It's terrifying when they come here."

Israel cites security concerns

Israel seized control of the UN-patrolled buffer zone in southern Syria in December 2024 following the ousting of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in an insurgent offensive.

Israeli officials initially described the move as a temporary security measure to protect the country's borders from militant groups. More recently, however, senior officials have indicated that Israel intends to maintain its presence in the buffer zone indefinitely.

The deployment forms part of Israel's broader security strategy following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October 2023. Israeli forces subsequently launched a large-scale offensive in Gaza and established buffer zones in parts of Lebanon and Syria, arguing that they are necessary to prevent future cross-border attacks.

There have been no attacks from Syria into Israel since Assad's removal from power, apart from two rockets fired by a little-known militant group. However, Israeli military operations in south-western Syria have at times prompted local resistance, leading to deadly confrontations.

Damascus condemns Israeli operations

Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has called on Israel to withdraw from the 235-square-kilometre buffer zone, while the Syrian government condemned the military incursion and shelling in Abdin.

The clashes followed another deadly incident earlier on Sunday, when the Israeli military announced it had killed armed men in southern Syria without providing further details.

An Israeli military official, speaking on condition of anonymity under military briefing rules, said Israeli troops had killed two militants who were preparing to attack Israeli forces. The official did not specify where the operation had taken place.

Imad Hassoun, the mayor of the Syrian village of Hadar, said two unidentified men travelling in a pick-up truck south of the village had been killed in an attack and that their bodies had been taken away by Israeli troops.

"There was the sound of an explosion when it happened," Hassoun told The Associated Press. "They weren't from Hadar. If they were, we would immediately know."

Regarding the incident in Abdin, the Israeli official said armed militants had opened fire on an Israeli military position, but no soldiers were injured.

Residents fear further instability

Residents of Abdin had initially hoped that US-mediated talks between Israel and Syria in France on a possible security agreement would help ease tensions. However, the negotiations appear to have stalled.

Amid continuing insecurity and worsening shortages of jobs and basic services, many residents have begun leaving the area. The nearest Syrian government security checkpoint is around 10 kilometres from Abdin, while those who remain face shortages of water and electricity.

Sobhi al-Tawlbi, 66, said local farmers were struggling to access their crops and water sources.

"We need the government to support us so that we can remain steadfast in our villages," he said, urging the international community to pressure Israel to halt its military operations.

Residents insist they pose no threat and simply want to rebuild their lives after more than 13 years of civil war devastated Syria.

"Why are they bothering us? We are living here peacefully in this border area," al-Hassan said.