![An Israeli army vehicle transports soldiers into the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the annexed Golan Heights on December 18, 2024. [JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2189946305.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
The Israeli occupation army continues to expand its activities in southern Syria, with its forces now operating approximately nine kilometres east of the city of Saida, according to the Lebanese channel Al-Mayadeen.
Israeli forces have taken control of an area covering around 500 square kilometres, including several strategic points.
Among the locations reached by the Israeli occupation are three vital water sources in southern Syria.
Reports also indicate the occupation of other villages in the region, targeting Syrian military installations on the slopes of Mount Hermon and in the Golan Heights areas of Quneitra and Daraa.
According to local sources, the second and third battalion headquarters – two of the largest divisions in the Syrian army – have been destroyed.
An Israeli army spokesperson stated that their forces have advanced hundreds of metres, and in some isolated locations, up to one kilometre, from the demilitarised zone.
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