Syrian Army Initiates Offensive Against Hezbollah on Lebanon Border
The Syrian Army has launched a military offensive against Hezbollah near the Lebanon border, marking a significant escalation against Iranian influence. Recent clashes have resulted in casualties, and security cooperation between Syrian and Lebanese forces has increased. Hezbollah’s challenges signal a potential decline in Iranian dominance in the region.
The Syrian Army has initiated a comprehensive military offensive aimed at expelling Iranian regime-supported Hezbollah militants from crucial border areas adjacent to Lebanon. This operation signifies a notable escalation in the tensions between Damascus and Tehran’s affiliations. Reports from sources such as Al Arabiya and Sky News Arabia indicate that violent clashes have emerged, leading to casualties on both sides and enhancing security cooperation between Syrian and Lebanese forces against Hezbollah.
In Hosh Al-Sayyid Ali, a pivotal border town under Hezbollah control since 2013, the Syrian Army has engaged in heavy battles against Hezbollah fighters. An artillery and missile campaign targeting Hezbollah’s positions has been launched, with a Syrian defense ministry official stating that Damascus aims to “completely retake the town” to secure the border from illicit operations related to smuggling and arms trafficking.
According to Sky News Arabia, the Syrian Army has coordinated efforts with Lebanese forces to gain control over the border. The Lebanese Army has also fired back against Hezbollah, indicating that the tensions incited by the group are straining their former alliances. A military source from Lebanon noted, “Our forces have been ordered to respond to any attacks from Syrian territory.”
Reports revealed that Hezbollah attempted to counteract Syrian advances by launching rocket attacks against Syrian Army locations near Homs. This prompted Syrian forces to amplify their offensive, resulting in Hezbollah’s withdrawal from several positions. Reports suggest that at least 12 Hezbollah fighters and 8 Syrian soldiers have lost their lives in the ongoing confrontations.
The clashes represent a significant turning point in Syria’s policy regarding Iranian influence amidst changes in leadership. Hezbollah has been a crucial proxy for Iran in the region, aiding in its expansion across strategic territories in Syria. However, the newly appointed Syrian administration led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa is actively pushing back against Iranian control, emphasizing a desire to “restore full control” over the country’s borders and inhibit Hezbollah’s unauthorized initiatives, thus asserting national sovereignty against external incursions.
This evolving situation presents a direct challenge to Iran’s regional ambitions. The potential diminishment of Hezbollah’s strategic footholds in Syria could substantially impede Tehran’s so-called ‘Axis of Resistance’ against Western and Arab adversaries. Furthermore, setbacks for Hezbollah may catalyze growing opposition within Lebanon, further undermining Iranian influence there.
Overall, these developments expose the widening rifts within the Iran-led axis, as Damascus increasingly prioritizes its national interests instead of adhering to Tehran’s expansionist objectives. Confronted with mounting military pressure from Syrian and Lebanese forces, Hezbollah may find itself in an increasingly precarious position—signifying a potential decline in Tehran’s previously unchallenged supremacy in Syria.
The Syrian Army’s military operation against Hezbollah signifies a marked shift in Syrian policy towards Iranian influence. As the conflict intensifies, the cooperation between Syrian and Lebanese forces against Hezbollah underlines a growing resolve to reclaim control over national borders. The weakening of Hezbollah and its strategic positions could undermine Iran’s influence in the region, indicating potential fractures within the Iran-led alliance and a movement towards enhanced Syrian sovereignty.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
