The 603rd Battalion of the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) Combat Engineering Corps has reached Tel Hadar, the deepest point in Syria that Israeli forces have entered, which is approximately 10 kilometers from the Israeli border and 20 kilometers from Damascus.
Company Commander Captain Uri Almog stated that the soldiers understood the importance of the mission and were excited to be taking part in it. The company advanced to capture Tel Hadar under the Commando Brigade, with one of the first vehicles to set foot on the hill being from Brigade 7, which is the furthest the IDF has entered Syria.
This deployment marks a historical event, as the IDF had historically trained extensively for operations involving Syrian army outposts, known as “Syrian Pitas”, but had not expected to maneuver in Syrian territory. The terrain itself poses challenges, but the battalion’s bulldozers are capable of handling them.
The soldiers are currently stationed nearly 10 kilometers inside Syria, where they are fortifying positions, expanding Israel’s defensive perimeter, and protecting Golan Heights residents. They have also uncovered various weapons and equipment left by Syrian forces, much of which was in poor condition.
The soldiers reported encountering local civilians and reported no hostility. Captain Almog also mentioned that his parents, who live in Givat Avni, expressed concern for his safety, but also understood that the IDF is strong and everything is secure.