IDF Takes Control of Former Syrian Army Posts Amid Rapid Regime Collapse

Late Friday night, as rebel insurgents rapidly advanced toward Damascus, Syrian troops at the Tel Kwdana military post withdrew from their positions without resistance. On the other side of the border, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) observed the move and swiftly decided to act. By early Sunday morning, IDF tanks and troops had pushed into southern Syria, taking control of former Syrian army posts within a buffer zone established by the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement.

The decision to move into the buffer zone was prompted by the sudden collapse of the Assad regime. Syrian soldiers had fled the Tel Kwdana site and other military posts in the region as a result of the rebel offensive that took control of much of Syria, including the capital, Damascus. Col. Benny Kata, commander of the 474th Golan Regional Brigade, explained that the IDF had to take quick action to prevent any potential threats to the residents of the Golan Heights, while also addressing the uncertainty around the new rebel forces in the area.

The fall of Assad has created a new and unclear situation in southern Syria, especially near Israel's border. A coalition of Druze tribes and opposition groups, named the Southern Operations Room, has emerged as the key rebel faction in the region. The IDF is focusing on securing strategic positions like Tel Kwdana, fearing that these rebel groups might pose a security risk despite their opposition to Hezbollah and Iran-backed forces.

While Israel had previously planned to intervene in the event of an Iran-backed attack, it now finds itself managing an entirely different set of risks from the unfamiliar rebel forces. Col. Kata stressed that the IDF's actions were primarily defensive, aiming to protect the Golan Heights and prevent potential jihadi infiltration across the border.

Strategic Importance of the Buffer Zone

The 235-square-kilometer buffer zone between Israel and Syria has long been monitored by UN peacekeepers. However, with the fall of the Assad regime, Israel has deemed the agreement void, at least until order is restored. Tel Kwdana, while technically outside the zone, holds strategic significance for Israel due to its vantage point over Israeli towns in the Golan Heights. The IDF has moved in to secure the area, turning the former Syrian military post into an operational base with upgraded facilities. The IDF has also captured several Syrian tanks and a weapons cache in recent days during operations in southern Syria.

Despite the military actions, Col. Kata emphasized that the IDF is making efforts to minimize friction with local Syrian civilians. The IDF has previously run humanitarian programs for Syrians living near the border and is exploring ways to engage with local leaders in southern Syria. Kata assured that the military's presence is temporary and dependent on the evolving situation in the region.

Future of Syria and the IDF's Role

As the conflict in Syria continues to evolve, the IDF's role in the buffer zone may last for an extended period, with military sources suggesting that they could remain for years. However, the situation remains fluid, and the IDF could withdraw quickly if the situation stabilizes.

Meanwhile, Syrian rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) confirmed that his group is working to secure sites where chemical weapons may be located, pledging not to use them under any circumstances. The Pentagon welcomed this commitment but emphasized that the group must back up its words with actions.