Etana: Israel Establishes Three Types of Zones of Influence in Southwestern Syria

Damascus: According to Raaz News I The independent Syrian research organization Etana said Israel is consolidating three distinct types of zones of influence in southwestern Syria, including areas under occupation and direct control, areas subject to repeated incursions, and areas reached by Israeli forces. According to the organization, these zones cover a combined area of approximately 2,440 square kilometers, with Israeli military operations extending to within less than nine kilometers of the outskirts of Damascus.

Three Categories of Israeli Military Presence

In its report, Etana said areas under Israeli occupation and direct control cover approximately 400 square kilometers, extending into parts of the demilitarized zone and the governorates of Quneitra and Rural Damascus. Israeli control in these areas reaches up to 12 kilometers inside Syrian territory and includes the summit of Mount Hermon (Jabal al-Sheikh).

Areas experiencing repeated Israeli incursions cover approximately 880 square kilometers and include the entire Quneitra Governorate. The incursions extend up to 14 kilometers toward western Daraa countryside.

Meanwhile, areas reached by Israeli forces cover approximately 1,160 square kilometers across the governorates of Quneitra, Daraa, and Rural Damascus. Israeli military operations in these areas have extended up to 50 kilometers inside Syrian territory, reaching approximately 27 kilometers from central Damascus and less than nine kilometers from the outskirts of the capital.

310 Arrests Documented

Etana also documented 310 cases of arrests and detentions between December 2024 and September 2026.

According to the organization, 38 Syrians remain in Israeli custody.