Hezbollah espionage claims: Two Syrians arrested in Golan buffer zone

Israeli forces have arrested two Syrians during a patrol in the village of al-Baas, located within the demilitarized zone of the occupied Golan Heights, according to security sources cited by the Qatari newspaper Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed. 

The arrests come amidst ongoing tensions following Israel’s occupation of additional Syrian territories after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

Following the collapse of Assad’s government, Israeli troops reportedly seized control of several areas in Syria’s Quneitra and Deraa provinces, within the demilitarized buffer zone established under UN supervision since 1974. These incursions have sparked widespread protests among local residents.

The Israeli military has established positions on former Syrian army sites and deployed forces to patrol the villages, raising concerns among local populations. Protests have erupted in response to the presence of Israeli troops, with demonstrators calling for an end to the occupation.

The two Syrians detained near Deraa have been accused of “spying for Hezbollah,” according to security sources.

 In addition to these arrests, Israeli forces have reportedly conducted 12 ground raids in villages within the demilitarized zone and beyond the border into Syrian territory, reaching the Syrian side of Mount Hermon.