Israeli Occupation Forces Enter the Historic Unity Dam in Southern Syria: What Does This Mean?

According to reports from the Russian news agency Sputnik, Syrian sources have confirmed that Israeli occupation forces have taken control of all strategic hills and military positions in Quneitra Governorate, located in southern Syria.

Additionally, Al-Mayadeen reported that the Israeli forces now dominate the flow of the Yarmouk River and the Unity Dam, a critical resource supplying drinking water, agricultural irrigation to Jordan, and hydropower to Syria. This move grants the occupation control over one of Syria’s most vital water sources, posing significant implications for both Syria and the region.

Incursion into Unity Dam Sparks Resistance

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that Israeli forces entered the village of Kuwaya and the historic Unity Dam near the Syrian-Jordanian border. Israeli troops reportedly established their presence at strategic locations in the area and warned locals to surrender their weapons.

Local sources revealed that the occupation forces had already seized the villages of Jamla and Maaraba in the Yarmouk Basin in Daraa Province. In response, residents took to the streets in protest, waving the new Syrian flag and chanting slogans such as “Leave, Israel!”

During these protests, the Israeli forces, positioned on the surrounding hills, opened fire on the crowds, injuring at least one individual.

Exploiting Instability to Deepen Aggression

Taking advantage of the disarray caused by the fall of the Syrian regime, Israel has intensified its aerial attacks, targeting military installations across various regions in Syria. These strikes represent blatant violations of Syrian sovereignty and have caused further instability in the war-torn nation.

Last week, Israeli forces penetrated nine kilometers into rural Daraa, advancing further into southern Syria, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The incursion included occupying the 74th Battalion in the vicinity of Sayda, a critical area bordering Quneitra and Daraa. This deep penetration marks yet another escalation in the already volatile region.

Mounting Tensions Along the Golan Heights

This military advance occurs amid rising tensions along the Syrian border with the occupied Golan Heights. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that Israeli forces would remain stationed in a buffer zone along the Syrian border, specifically on Mount Hermon, until “alternative security arrangements” are established to protect Israel.

In a further provocative move, the Israeli occupation announced the collapse of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement with Syria. Israeli forces have since expanded their presence in the demilitarized zone in the occupied Golan Heights, a region Israel has unlawfully occupied since 1967.

The Fall of the Assad Regime and Its Implications

On December 8th, Syrian opposition forces successfully captured Damascus, forcing the Assad regime to retreat. Bashar al-Assad, accompanied by his family, fled to Russia, where he was granted “humanitarian asylum.” This marked the end of 61 years of Ba’ath Party rule and 53 years of the Assad family’s control over Syria.

In the aftermath of the regime’s collapse, Israeli aggression has escalated. The occupation forces have systematically targeted Syria’s remaining military infrastructure, expanded their control over the Golan Heights, and devastated what is left of the nation’s defenses.

Regional and Global Outcry

The United Nations and Arab nations have condemned Israel’s recent incursions and violations in southern Syria. The occupation’s actions in Daraa and Quneitra signal a calculated strategy to exploit Syria’s internal chaos while solidifying Israel’s hold on occupied territories.

The continued aggression against Syria underscores the urgent need for regional and global solidarity to resist Israeli expansionism and uphold the sovereignty of Arab and Muslim nations.