An Israeli tank is stationed near the former governorate building in Quneitra province, southern Syria, Oct. 20, 2026. Israeli forces advanced into Syria's southern Quneitra province on Tuesday with seven military vehicles and two tanks, Syrian state TV Al-Ikhbariya reported. The Israeli military convoy entered northern Quneitra countryside before taking up positions near the former governorate headquarters, it said. (Str/Xinhua)
DAMASCUS, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces advanced into Syria's southern Quneitra province on Tuesday with seven military vehicles and two tanks, Syrian state TV Al-Ikhbariya reported.
The Israeli military convoy entered northern Quneitra countryside before taking up positions near the former governorate headquarters, it said.
Footage aired by the broadcaster showed a military tank blocking the road outside the building, while a local resident said Israeli forces had prevented people from entering their homes.
The latest incursion came amid intensified Israeli military activity in southern Syria.
On Sunday, Syrian foreign affairs authorities condemned the continued Israeli incursions into Quneitra and neighboring Daraa province, warning that the operations threatened civilian safety and undermined efforts to restore stability and advance reconstruction.
Israeli forces have maintained a presence in parts of southern Syria since December 2024, when they moved into the UN-monitored buffer zone following the fall of the former Syrian government. ■
