Israeli raids and arrests deepen fear across southern Syria
Syrian residents describe alleged torture in Israeli detention, repeated military incursions, artillery fire and growing insecurity near occupied Golan Heights
QATANA, Syria (MNTV) — Israeli military raids, arrests and artillery fire are intensifying fear among residents of southern Syria, with former detainees describing severe abuse and communities struggling to resume ordinary life.
According to Al Jazeera, Syrian residents have reported beatings, painful restraints and psychological trauma during detention by Israeli forces.
At least 51 Syrians remained detained in Israel when the report was published, with detainees held at facilities including Sde Teiman, Ofer, al-Jalama and Megiddo.
One former detainee, identified as Ahmed, said Israeli soldiers arrested him at a checkpoint in his village after telling him he would be taken away briefly.
He said he subsequently spent more than a year in detention, including 90 days in handcuffs, and described being beaten while restrained.
Another former detainee, identified by a pseudonym, described continuing psychological distress after returning home. His account illustrated the lasting effects of detention on individuals and families awaiting information about missing relatives.
The report also documented the disruption caused by Israeli military activity around agricultural communities.
Residents said artillery fire into fields had prevented farmers and shepherds from working, while livestock had sometimes been killed and families repeatedly frightened.
The Sijil Center, a Syrian organization monitoring Israeli activity, recorded 280 alleged violations of the 1974 disengagement agreement during September. These included incursions, arrests, raids and exchanges of gunfire.
Israel expanded its occupation of Syrian territory following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024.
United Nations peacekeepers continue patrolling the demilitarized zone, but their ability to restrain Israeli military operations remains limited.
The accounts raise serious concerns about civilian protection, detention practices and the continuing erosion of security in southern Syria.
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