Israeli army deploys forces in buffer zone to Syria
SDA
8.12.2024 - 08:31
In view of the rebels taking control of Syria, the Israeli army has deployed forces to the buffer zone on the occupied Golan Heights. The move was made "in accordance with the assessment of the situation following the recent events in Syria", according to a statement from the army.
Keystone-SDA
08.12.2024, 08:31
SDA
Troops had been positioned "in the buffer zone and several other locations necessary for defense". The aim was to "ensure the security of the villages in the Golan Heights and the citizens of Israel", it continued.
"We emphasized that the Israeli army does not interfere in internal events in Syria." The military would remain in the buffer zone for as long as necessary for the security of Israel and its citizens.
Israeli media had reported that tanks had advanced into the buffer zone to Syria. The German Press Agency was told by residents in the village of Kunaitra that Israeli troops had advanced a few meters into Syrian territory and fired a few shots. However, they did not reach the village of Kunaitra. The province of Kunaitra borders the Golan Heights annexed by Israel.
The Israeli army had conquered the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed them in 1981. Under international law, the strategically important rocky plateau is considered to be Syrian territory occupied by Israel. During Donald Trump's first term as president, the USA recognized Israel's claim to the Golan Heights. The blue helmets of the Undof mission control a buffer zone of around 235 square kilometers between Israel and Syria.