The Israel Defense Forces, or IDF, says it has detained several Israeli civilians after they illegally crossed into Syrian territory, as military officials report a growing number of unauthorized border crossing attempts in recent weeks.

According to the IDF, the civilians crossed the border from the Majdal Shams area on Thursday before being located during a military search operation. They were taken into custody on Friday and transferred to the Israel Police for further investigation and legal proceedings.

In a separate incident the same day, Israeli troops also detained several other civilians who allegedly attempted to cross the border into Syria from the Golan Heights. Military officials said the individuals were intercepted before completing the crossing.

The IDF strongly condemned the incidents, warning that unauthorized crossings divert military personnel from ongoing operational duties and create additional security risks in an already sensitive border region.

Military officials emphasized that illegally entering Syrian territory is a criminal offense that places both civilians and security forces at risk. The army said it expects Israeli law enforcement authorities to pursue appropriate legal action against those involved.

The latest incidents are part of what the IDF describes as a growing pattern of illegal border crossings throughout July. Earlier this week, Israeli forces detained several civilians following another attempted crossing into Syria.

Military officials also referenced previous incidents involving activists attempting to enter Syrian-controlled territory. Earlier this month, approximately one hundred individuals were detained after crossing into the Syrian side of Mount Hermon during an effort to establish a civilian presence in the area.

The IDF says it continues to monitor the border closely and is reinforcing security measures to prevent additional unauthorized crossings while maintaining operational readiness along the frontier.

Swati Montel, Reporting for SNEWS TV.