IDF Arrests Multiple Iranian Quds Force Operatives in Syria

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have detained multiple suspects in southern Syria in recent months who were operating in terror cells affiliated with Iran’s clandestine Unit 840 of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, tasked with planning attacks against Israel. Two field operatives, Zeidan al-Tawil and Muhammad al-Kuryan, were arrested in March and April, along with members of other terror cells activated by senior IRGC operatives Salah al-Husseini and Muhammad Shuayb, who were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon. Interrogations revealed many recruits were unaware they were working for Iran, often recruited through financial incentives. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, Israel has expanded its military presence in southern Syria, establishing nine posts and conducting over 300 operations aimed at dismantling Iranian-backed networks and intercepting weapons shipments. The IDF also reported killing an operative involved with both the IRGC Quds Force’s Imam Hussein Division and Hezbollah, emphasizing ongoing Iranian efforts to rebuild capabilities and continue attacks despite previous losses. These developments highlight the intensifying Israeli efforts to counter Iranian influence and arms smuggling in Syria and Lebanon amid shifting regional dynamics.