Group Crosses into Syria from Druze-Majority Town in Golan Heights

Kokcha News Agency – The Israeli army announced that a group of civilians breached the border fence and entered Syrian territory from Majdal Shams, a Druze-majority town in the occupied Golan Heights. Israeli soldiers intervened to bring back dozens of civilians who had crossed illegally.

The incident occurred as protests erupted in Majdal Shams over recent developments in Syria’s Suwayda region, where Druze communities have been involved in clashes with Bedouin Arab tribes.

For the past two days, Israel has conducted airstrikes on southern Syria, citing the need to “protect the Druze.” The unrest in Suwayda began when Druze groups seized vehicles belonging to Bedouin Arab tribes, leading to small-scale armed clashes. The conflict escalated, resulting in at least 30 deaths and 100 injuries.

In response, Syrian Defense and Interior Ministry forces deployed additional troops to the area. However, attacks on their convoys resulted in the deaths of 18 soldiers and the capture of 9 others. Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz defended the airstrikes, stating, “We will not allow harm to come to the Druze; Israel will not stand idly by.”

Today, Syrian Defense Minister Major General Merhef Abu Kasra announced that a ceasefire had been declared in Suwayda.