The Syrian Army has launched a military operation to expel Hezbollah from key border areas, marking a significant escalation in tensions with Iranian-backed forces. Heavy clashes have resulted in casualties, prompting coordination between Syrian and Lebanese security forces. The move reflects a shift in Syria’s approach under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, aiming to reduce Iranian influence and restore national sovereignty over borders.
The Syrian Army has initiated a military offensive aimed at dislodging Hezbollah militants, who are backed by the Iranian regime, from key border regions adjacent to Lebanon. This action signifies a marked increase in hostilities between Damascus and Tehran’s affiliates. Reports from various news outlets, including Al Arabiya and Sky News Arabia, reveal that the ongoing clashes have led to casualties on both sides and have strengthened coordination between Syrian and Lebanese security forces against Hezbollah.
Heavy fighting is reported in Hosh Al-Sayyid Ali, a town under Hezbollah’s control since 2013. The Syrian Army has commenced a rigorous artillery and missile campaign targeting Hezbollah positions there. A representative from the Syrian Ministry of Defense stated that the objective is to regain full control of the town and secure the border against Hezbollah-related activities such as smuggling and arms trafficking.
An official from the Syrian Ministry of Defense confirmed a collaborative effort with Lebanese forces aimed at reinforcing border security. The Lebanese Army has begun responding to provocations from Hezbollah, which has led to tensions even with its erstwhile allies within Lebanon. A Lebanese military source remarked, “Our forces have been ordered to respond to any attacks from Syrian territory.”
Hezbollah has attempted to counter the Syrian Army by launching rocket attacks on their positions near Homs. However, as combat escalates, Syrian forces have intensified their offensive, forcing Hezbollah to retract from certain locations. Reports indicate significant losses, with at least twelve Hezbollah fighters and eight Syrian soldiers reported dead in the ongoing confrontation.
These recent encounters along the Lebanon-Syria border indicate a transformative shift in Syria’s approach to Iranian influence. Under President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s new administration, there is a push towards diminishing Hezbollah’s hold as it has been a crucial agent for Iranian interests in the region. Syrian officials have indicated a resolve to “restore full control” over borders and curb Hezbollah’s unauthorized actions, reflecting a desire to reclaim national sovereignty and mitigate external interference.
This scenario poses a significant obstacle to Iran’s regional goals, as any weakening of Hezbollah’s foothold in Syria threatens Tehran’s broader strategy of resisting Western and Arab adversaries. Military challenges faced by Hezbollah might also inspire opposition forces in Lebanon, thereby undermining Iran’s stature there. The emerging dynamics suggest growing rifts within the Iran-led coalition, as Damascus shifts focus towards national imperatives over Iran’s expansionist strategies.
In conclusion, the Syrian Army’s offensive against Hezbollah marks a critical juncture in the longstanding dynamic between Syria and Iranian influence in the region. As the Syrian government seeks to reclaim sovereignty over its borders, it signals a potential decline in Hezbollah’s power, posing challenges to Tehran’s overarching goals in Syria. The cooperation between Syrian and Lebanese forces against Hezbollah may further alter the geopolitical landscape, indicating a rebalancing of alliances.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
