Syria’s Nation-Building Exercise Under Severe Pressure

Israeli incursions in southern Syria, Ankara’s sharp rebuke over regional strikes, and renewed SDF–regime clashes deepen instability across the region.

Israeli Forces Advance into Southern Syrian Villages

Tensions escalated sharply this week after Israeli troops entered southern Syrian villages, carrying out raids and patrols in the countryside.

According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, Israeli units moved into the villages of Saysun and Cemle, using around 18 military vehicles to raid homes and conduct search operations. Additional forces reportedly deployed near the Cemle military base along the occupied Golan frontier.

The incursions coincided with Israeli drone reconnaissance flights, heightening civilian fears. Damascus condemned the actions as a “clear violation of international law and the 1974 ceasefire agreement”, urging the international community to intervene.

Syria’s Foreign Ministry accused Israel of seeking to undermine regional stability and warned that repeated incursions in Dera, Quneitra, and the Damascus countryside were eroding ongoing security efforts.

Turkey’s Fidan: Ankara Will Give SDF-Damascus Deal a Chance Despite Reservations

Ankara Pushes Back on Israeli Claims, Stands with Qatar

Turkey’s National Defence Ministry rejected reports that Israeli strikes had targeted Turkish Armed Forces positions in Syria, calling the claims “unfounded and untrue.”

Instead, Ankara redirected attention toward Israel’s recent attack in Qatar, branding it “further proof that Tel Aviv has turned terrorism into state policy.” The ministry described the incident as a “blatant violation of Qatari sovereignty” and pledged:

“We stand fully with Qatar against this assault.”

The statement underscores Ankara’s effort to frame Israel’s actions not only as a Syrian issue but as part of a broader regional destabilization strategy.

Renewed Fighting Between SDF and Syrian Forces in Deir ez-Zor

Meanwhile, in eastern Syria, clashes have reignited between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and groups aligned with the Assad government.

The SDF said armed men linked to the Syrian military opened fire near the al-Asharah Bridge in Darnaj, during an operation aimed at blocking smugglers from crossing the Euphrates River. Fighters responded with what the SDF described as “necessary field measures.”

The Kurdish-led force accused Damascus of backing smuggling networks that threaten regional security.

This flare-up follows last week’s exchange of artillery fire in Deir Hafer, eastern Aleppo, where SDF and regime units clashed despite a March integration agreement. Since the Unity of Stance Conference, violence in northern and eastern Syria has steadily increased, underscoring the fragile nature of efforts to unify forces against common threats.

Why It Matters

The overlapping crises reveal how Syria’s fractured landscape remains under severe pressure:

• Israeli raids deepen sovereignty disputes and risk new regional confrontations.

• Ankara’s strong statements highlight Turkey’s shifting security narrative, positioning itself against Israeli actions while reinforcing solidarity with Qatar.

• Renewed SDF–regime clashes show that despite agreements, mistrust and competing interests continue to block any sustainable political or military integration.

For now, Syria’s nation-building exercise remains more aspiration than reality, tested by foreign incursions, contested alliances, and the persistence of smuggling and militia networks.