Israel launches raids in southern Syria, detains several for 'interrogation'

The Israeli military announced Sunday that its forces had detained several individuals in southern Syria and transferred them into Israel for interrogation, the Anadolu news agency reported. 

In a statement, the Israeli army said troops from the 210th Division carried out multiple raids in southern Syria over the past week, targeting what it described as “weapons warehouses.” 

Several people were reportedly apprehended and brought across the border for "detailed questioning."

However, the military provided no further information regarding the identities or affiliations of those detained, while the interim Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa has yet to publicly respond. 

Israeli attacks in southern Syria have intensified since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime last December.  

Israel has escalated its operations in the region, including the illegal occupation of additional territory and a series of air and ground attacks across provinces such as Quneitra and Rif Dimashq. 

Earlier this month, at least one person was killed during an Israeli raid on the southwestern town of Beit Jinn.  

Syria’s Interior Ministry condemned the incident, calling repeated Israeli incursions “a blatant violation of the sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic.” 

The Israeli military claimed that those detained in Beit Jinn were Hamas operatives planning “multiple terror plots” against Israeli targets in Syria, further alleging that weapons and ammunition were seized and detainees taken to Israel for investigation. 

Despite the escalating offensive, "indirect" talks between Syria and Israel are ongoing amid speculation about the normalisation of ties.

On Friday, The New Arab reported that US special envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack revealed the Syrian government had begun quiet talks with Israel.  

According to Barrack, Damascus has no interest in further conflict and seeks international support to halt Israeli attacks. 

Israel’s National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi confirmed this week that direct contact had been established between the two countries, with discussions underway about a possible normalisation of ties. 

Citing a Syrian source, Israel’s i24 News also reported Friday that a peace agreement between Israel and Syria could be signed before the end of 2025.  

As part of the alleged deal, Israel would gradually withdraw from Syrian territories it occupied during and after its December offensive. 

Since last December’s rebel offensive in Syria, current leader al-Sharaa has repeatedly stated that Syria does not seek conflict with its neighbours and has called for international pressure to halt Israel’s ongoing attacks. 

Israel also continues to occupy the Golan Heights, which it captured from Syria in 1967 and later annexed in 1981- a move condemned by the UN.