Israeli Troops Enter Abdin, Prompting Resident Resistance and Diplomatic Pushback

On Sunday, Israeli armored 4×4s entered Abdin, a town in Syria’s Daraa province adjacent to a UN-patrolled buffer zone now held by Israel. Residents blocked the road with rocks, threw stones, and said Israeli troops fired warning shots and artillery at village walls. No injuries were reported, but most inhabitants fled.

Associated PressSentinel Colorado

Israel seized the UN-monitored buffer zone in southern Syria in December 2024 after the ouster of President Bashar Assad. The area, covering 235 sq km (91 sq mi), was initially called temporary but Israeli officials now intend indefinite occupation. The policy follows a broader shift toward a more aggressive stance after the October 2023 Hamas attacks.

Sentinel Colorado

• June 28 2026: Israeli forces entered Abdin; residents resisted; artillery was used.

Sentinel Colorado

• June 29 2026: Israel announced soldiers killed two militants planning attacks; the mayor of Hadar reported two unknown individuals killed south of his village; Syrian interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa demanded Israeli withdrawal from the buffer zone.

Associated Press

An Israeli spokesperson said armed militants opened fire on an Israeli stronghold but “nobody was harmed.” The Israeli military later confirmed killing two militants planning attacks. Syrian interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa called for Israel to pull out of the 235 sq km zone, and the Syrian government condemned the incursion and shelling in Abdin.

Sentinel ColoradoAssociated Press

Local residents, led by Mohammad al-Hassan and farmer Sobhi al-Tawlbi, described the raids as “terrifying” and urged international pressure to stop them. The Syrian interim presidency called the occupation a violation of Syrian sovereignty and appealed for intervention.

Sentinel Colorado

Israeli officials assert militants fired first, while residents maintain Israeli forces started warning shots and artillery. The identities and fates of the two individuals reported killed near Hadar remain unverified, and no independent observers have confirmed casualty figures from either side.

Sentinel Colorado

• “They come into the village regularly, every few days,” — Mohammad al-Hassan, resident

Associated Press

• “They come in armored 4×4 vehicles, they roam around the village and search some houses, they knock on doors and if people don’t answer the door they break it down and enter the houses. Women and children start screaming, it’s a terrifying thing, them coming here.” — Mohammad al-Hassan

Sentinel Colorado

• “There was the sound of an explosion when it happened,” — Imad Hassoun, resident

Associated Press

• “They weren’t from Hadar. If they were, we would immediately know.” — Imad Hassoun

Associated Press

• “We need the government to support us a little so we can remain steadfast in our villages,” — Sobhi al-Tawlbi, farmer

Associated Press

Stalled U.S.-mediated talks in France leave security arrangement unresolved. Syrian officials plan to press United Nations for a withdrawal, while Israel has not ruled out patrols. The situation remains volatile, with risk of incursions and regional repercussions.

Sentinel Colorado