"We have not withdrawn from any position", declares a senior Russian general.

The Russian army has expanded its military activity along the buffer zone on the Israel-Syria border in the Golan Heights, as reported yesterday (Monday) by the official Syrian news agency "SANA". According to the report, two new military positions have been established, joining seven existing positions in the area.

Deputy Commander of Russian Forces in Syria, General Alexander Rodionov, denied opposition reports about the evacuation of Russian positions in the region. "Not only have we not withdrawn from any position, but we have also increased our presence at several points along the border," Rodionov told the news agency.

The expansion of Russian presence comes amid growing tensions between Moscow and Jerusalem. Last week, Putin's representative for Syrian affairs, Alexander Lavrentiev, raised accusations against Israel regarding an attack carried out in early October near the Russian Hmeimim base. In an interview with "RIA Novosti" news agency, Lavrentiev claimed that the Israeli attack endangered the lives of Russian soldiers.

"The attack was not directed at the base itself, as this would have had serious consequences for Israel, and they are well aware of this," said Lavrentiev. "According to our information, the target was a warehouse or another building in the area". He added that Russia lodged a strong protest with Israel following the incident.

A senior Syrian army official told "SANA" that Russian military police units play a central role in stabilizing the security situation in the area. According to him, their presence helps local residents return to their homes and daily routines "after the area was liberated from terrorism".

The Russian presence in Syria began in 2015, when Moscow responded to the Assad regime's request to intervene in the country's civil war. Since then, Russia has become a key player in the Syrian arena, establishing its strategic influence in the region.

Recent developments highlight the growing complexity of Israel-Russia relations, particularly against the backdrop of the situation in Syria. The increased Russian presence in the buffer zone may affect Israel's freedom of operation in the area and its ability to act against security threats on its northern border.

Foto: usinsk