BICOM

An IDF officer has said that the Syrian side of the Golan border region is now under almost total rebel control, with Al-Qaeda affiliated Islamists a major force.

Last week Syrian opposition forces captured the Quneitra border crossing with Israel and fierce fighting has subsequently ensued with Syrian government troops. The rebel forces included units from the Al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Nusra Front. During the fighting, two Israelis were injured in what appeared to be errant fire, a not uncommon recent occurrence. Al-Nusra subsequently consolidated its position, forcibly seizing 45 Fijian UN peacekeepers who are still being held and issued demands for their release. Another 70 or so Filipino peacekeepers were also trapped in the area by Al-Nusra fighters, but eventually dramatically escaped, most probably across the Israeli border.

An unnamed senior IDF officer told Haaretz that a battle is currently taking place at Ahmadiyya and if this falls to the opposition, “the decisive majority of the Golan Heights will be in the hands of various rebel groups.” Apparently, the IDF estimates that there are around 1,500-2,000 rebel troops across the border, including Al-Nusra fighters. The same officer commented, “The story of the Nusra Front on the border doesn’t surprise us … We’re preparing ourselves for the day when we have to deal with this gang.” He also added that although there is no sign of ISIS forces within 50 kilometres of Israel’s border “they might show up later on.”

Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon also addressed the situation on the Syrian border. He said that in addition to the threat posed by Al-Nusra, that Iranian sponsored terror groups could also be a danger to Israel. Speaking at an economic conference yesterday, Ya’alon said “Iran’s fingerprints can be seen in Syria, including in the Golan Heights, in attempts to use terror squads against us.” Iran is closely allied with Syria’s President Assad and Hezbollah, which have joined forces to fight Syrian rebels.