Israeli army to continue operations in southern Syria — Turkey, Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait condemn

The Israeli army announced on Monday that it intends to continue operations in southern Syria to “remove threats” in the Quneitra area, where troops have been building a military line dubbed “Sufa 53” that has drawn international criticism.

In a statement, the Israeli military said the operations are aimed at protecting the residents of northern Israel and the Golan Heights, adding that it will not allow armed groups to operate near the Israeli-controlled territory, Al Jazeera reported.

The statement says the troops found three anti-tank munitions and two landmines, while construction of the line continues, amid international criticism.

Turkey, Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait condemned the Israeli occupation and expansion, while Syria’s permanent representative to the United Nations denounced the move as a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Israel has carried out repeated strikes in southern Lebanon and southern Syria during the U.S.–Israeli war against Iran, striking what it calls targets linked to Hezbollah and Iranian forces.