Syrian Army Conducts Major Offensive Against Hezbollah on Lebanese Border
The Syrian Army has launched a military operation against Hezbollah to reclaim border areas near Lebanon, marking heightened tensions and collaboration with Lebanese forces. Clashes have resulted in casualties on both sides, and the Syrian government desires to assert control over its borders and reduce Hezbollah’s influence. This shift reflects a potential decline in Iranian dominance in the region.
The Syrian Army has initiated a comprehensive military operation aimed at expelling Hezbollah militants, who are supported by the Iranian regime, from critical border regions near Lebanon. This escalation reflects a notable rise in tensions between the Syrian government in Damascus and Iranian proxies, with numerous sources reporting casualties and enhanced security collaboration between Syria and Lebanon against Hezbollah.
Heavy fighting has erupted in Hosh Al-Sayyid Ali, a strategic town held by Hezbollah since 2013. The Syrian Army has executed continuous artillery and missile strikes targeting Hezbollah positions. A Syrian defense ministry representative stated that Damascus intends to “completely retake the town” to secure its borders against Hezbollah’s smuggling and arms trafficking activities.
Simultaneously, the Syrian Army is reportedly coordinating closely with Lebanese military forces. Evidence of this collaboration was shown as the Lebanese Army retaliated against Hezbollah attacks, underlining tensions within Lebanon. A Lebanese military official remarked, “Our forces have been ordered to respond to any attacks from Syrian territory.”
Furthermore, Hezbollah has attempted to counter the Syrian military pressure by launching rocket attacks against Syrian Army installations near Homs. The Syrian forces, however, escalated their response, leading to Hezbollah’s withdrawal from several points, resulting in a reported 12 Hezbollah fighters and 8 Syrian soldiers killed during the confrontation.
This military engagement represents a significant shift in Syria’s approach to Iranian influence. Hezbollah has historically served as Iran’s main military ally in the region, enhancing Tehran’s influence across key Syrian areas. However, the newly appointed Syrian leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa appears to be confronting this trend, aiming to “restore full control” over Syria’s borders and curtail Hezbollah’s unauthorized activities.
The evolving dynamics present a considerable challenge to Iranian regional ambitions. Should Hezbollah lose its grip on strategic locations in Syria, it could severely impact Tehran’s ability to sustain its so-called ‘Axis of Resistance’ against its Western and Arab adversaries. Additionally, setbacks for Hezbollah may encourage opposition within Lebanon, potentially diminishing Iran’s sway in the nation.
This ongoing conflict reveals fractures within the alliance led by Iran, as the Syrian administration prioritizes national sovereignty over Iran’s aggressive expansionism. With growing military operations from both Syrian and Lebanese forces, Hezbollah increasingly finds itself encircled, a scenario that may threaten Tehran’s previously unchallenged dominance in Syria.
The Syrian Army’s offensive against Hezbollah marks a critical juncture in Damascus’s relationship with Iranian influence in the region. As Syria takes steps to regain control over its borders and confront unauthorized operations carried out by Hezbollah, the balance of power shifts. This conflict not only illustrates the internal divisions among Iran’s allies but also poses significant implications for Hezbollah’s capacity and Iran’s overarching ambitions in the region.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
