Israeli army deploys additional forces on border with Syria, scene of civil war clashes

By Zein Khalil

JERUSALEM (AA) - The Israeli army announced on Saturday that it has decided to deploy additional forces along its border with Syria in response to recent advances made by anti-regime groups in Syria's civil war.

In a statement, the Israeli army said: "Following an assessment of the situation, it was decided to call up additional forces for defensive operations in the Golan Heights, near the Syrian border."

The army added that the deployment of additional troops would bolster defense efforts in the area and prepare for various scenarios on the front lines, though no further details were provided.

Israeli military radio said the reinforcement of forces was a response to the "advances of Syrian rebels."

The civil war in Syria has intensified in recent days, with anti-regime groups, led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, fighting regime forces since Nov. 27 and making significant advances.

Anti-regime forces captured much of central Aleppo on Nov. 30, following a rapid push from its western countryside.

In their latest offensive Thursday, the groups seized the center of Hama, solidifying control of the city and forcing regime forces to retreat.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi