IDF Declare Northwest Area of Golan Heights “Closed Military Zone”

Civilians who are not local residents cannot travel in the area because of the intensive battles between Assad forces & rebels on the Syrian side of the border.

 

The IDF and Israel Police declared a section of the north east of the Golan Heights a closed military zone on Tuesday.

An IDF soldier looks out from a position on Mt. Hermon

An IDF soldier looks out from a position on Mt. Hermon. – Photo courtesy: IDF SPOKESPERSON’S UNIT

The decision means civilians who are not local residents, such as tourists, cannot travel in the area.

It comes after intensive battles raged between Assad regime forces and rebels on the Syrian part of the border in recent days.

The closure is designed to prevent civilian gatherings in areas near the border fence, which could disrupt ongoing IDF security activities.

It is not directly related to the Syrian fighting, IDF sources said.

The IDF said in a statement that it is “following the fighting in Syria from up close, as well as developments on the border of the Golan Heights, and acting to safeguard security in the area.”

 

View original The Jerusalem Post publication at: http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/IDF-police-declare-area-northeast-Golan-a-closed-military-zone-406231