Syrian Army Launches Offensive Against Hezbollah Near Lebanon Border
The Syrian Army has commenced a military operation to expel Iranian-backed Hezbollah from strategic border areas near Lebanon. Clashes have resulted in casualties, prompting enhanced security cooperation between Syrian and Lebanese forces. The offensive marks a significant shift in Syria’s approach to Iranian influence, as the new administration aims to reclaim sovereignty and reduce external interference. The potential loss of Hezbollah’s strategic positions may weaken Iranian influence in the region.
The Syrian Army has initiated a comprehensive military operation aimed at expelling Hezbollah militants, who receive backing from the Iranian regime, from critical border locations adjacent to Lebanon. This action indicates a significant rise in tensions between the Syrian government and Iranian proxy forces, as reported by various news outlets, including Al Arabiya and Sky News Arabia. Reports confirm that the clashes have resulted in casualties on both sides, enhancing security cooperation between Syrian and Lebanese forces against Hezbollah.
Intense fighting has erupted in Hosh Al-Sayyid Ali, a strategic border town held by Hezbollah since 2013. The Syrian Army is employing a sustained artillery and missile campaign targeting Hezbollah positions in the area. An official from the Syrian defense ministry stated that the objective is to fully reclaim the town and secure the border from Hezbollah’s illicit activities, such as smuggling and arms trafficking.
The Syrian Army is reportedly coordinating efforts with Lebanese forces to bolster security along the border, according to an official from the Syrian Ministry of Defense. The Lebanese Army has also begun responding to Hezbollah’s aggressive maneuvers, indicating increased friction between the group and its former allies. A military source from Lebanon affirmed that orders have been given to retaliate against any incursions from Syrian territory.
Hezbollah has been attempting to resist Syrian advancements by launching rocket attacks against Syrian positions near Homs. However, Syrian forces have escalated their offensive, resulting in Hezbollah retreating from several locations. Sky News Arabia noted that Hezbollah has sustained considerable losses, with reports indicating the deaths of at least 12 Hezbollah fighters and 8 Syrian soldiers amidst the ongoing conflict.
These recent violent encounters signify a pivotal shift in Syria’s approach towards Iranian influence, with the Syrian administration under President Ahmed al-Sharaa challenging Hezbollah’s longstanding role as Iran’s primary military proxy. Syrian officials have expressed their commitment to regain full control over the nation’s borders and curtail any unauthorized operations by Hezbollah, which reflects a broader intention to reclaim national sovereignty and mitigate external interference.
This evolving scenario presents a direct challenge to Iran’s regional ambitions. The potential reduction of Hezbollah’s strategic footholds in Syria threatens Tehran’s plans to sustain its so-called ‘Axis of Resistance’ against Western and Arab adversaries. Consequently, military defeats for Hezbollah may empower opposition factions within Lebanon, thereby undermining Iran’s influence in the region.
The ongoing developments signal deepening divisions within the Iran-led alliance, as Damascus places priority on national interests over Tehran’s expansionist objectives. Under increasing military pressure from both Syrian and Lebanese forces, Hezbollah faces growing isolation—a situation that could signify a decline in Tehran’s unchecked control within Syria.
In conclusion, the Syrian Army’s offensive against Hezbollah marks a pivotal shift in regional power dynamics, as Damascus asserts its sovereignty in the face of Iranian influence. With heightened security cooperation between Syria and Lebanon, Hezbollah’s position appears increasingly precarious, potentially leading to a significant reduction in Iranian power in the region. This situation underscores the complexities of alliances within the area, as national interests take precedence over proxy relations.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
