The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Monday that, in recent days, they have dismantled arsenals and seized “a variety of weapons” from the forces of the former Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad in the buffer zone, located along the border between both countries.
Following the fall of Assad’s regime in early December—after a successful rebel and jihadist offensive—Israel’s military deployed troops in the buffer zone, east of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, to ensure security in the area.
“So far, our forces have conducted dozens of targeted raids, locating, seizing, and destroying a variety of weapons that pose a threat to the security of the State of Israel and our troops,” the IDF stated.
The 474th Brigade, responsible for operations in the area, emphasized that it operates “day and night” to uncover “all weapons and capabilities” still in the hands of Syrian forces that were loyal to Assad, who is now exiled in Russia.
During the most recent operations, several residences were searched, where different types of weapons were discovered. These actions are part of ongoing IDF efforts to seize or destroy ammunition, mines, missiles, and even combat vehicles and armored units.
“In one of last week’s raids, paratroopers operating under brigade command discovered rifles, ammunition, and other military equipment left behind by the forces of the former Syrian regime. All findings were either confiscated or destroyed,” the IDF added.
Former President Assad went into exile in Russia after rebels and jihadists, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), took control of the country, with the group’s leader, Ahmed Hussein al-Shara, now serving as interim president.
King Abdullah II of Jordan is set to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa next Wednesday, according to Jordanian state television Al Mamlaka. The meeting will take place one day after the main session of the ‘National Dialogue’ conference, which is shaping the future of Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
During the talks, the two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations and Jordan’s involvement in the reconstruction process of its neighboring country, Syria.
Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman al-Safadi, visited Damascus on December 23, becoming the first Arab diplomat to meet with Al-Sharaa, who had just assumed power after Assad’s overthrow on December 8 by the insurgent coalition he led.
During the meeting, Al-Safadi expressed Jordan’s willingness to support Syria’s reconstruction, stating:
“Rebuilding Syria is crucial for Jordan and the entire region.”
“The security and stability of Syria are directly linked to the security and stability of Jordan. We are ready to provide all possible support to Syria,” Al-Safadi added.
On January 7, a Syrian delegation, including Foreign Minister Asad al-Shaibani, Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra, and General Intelligence Chief Anas Jatab, visited Jordan.
During the visit, Al-Shaibani thanked Jordan for “hosting Syrian refugees” and expressed interest in establishing “strong relations” between the two countries.
“We are committed to strengthening relations with Jordan at all levels—political, security, and economic,” he concluded.
