The Syrian Army has launched a military operation to expel Iranian-backed Hezbollah from key border areas near Lebanon, resulting in intense clashes and casualties on both sides. This marks a shift in Syria’s stance towards Iranian influence under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as Syrian forces collaborate with Lebanon against Hezbollah. The confrontations may significantly affect Hezbollah’s strength and Iran’s regional ambitions.
The Syrian Army has initiated a significant military operation aimed at expelling Hezbollah militants, who are backed by Iran, from crucial border areas near Lebanon. This escalation, implicating heightened tensions between the Syrian government and Tehran’s proxies, involves intense clashes reported by Al Arabiya and Sky News Arabia, resulting in casualties on both sides and fostering enhanced security coordination between Syria and Lebanon against Hezbollah.
The Syrian military has engaged in substantial confrontations with Hezbollah forces in Hosh Al-Sayyid Ali, a key border town controlled by Hezbollah since 2013. Reports indicate that the Syrian Army has commenced a focused artillery and missile assault on Hezbollah strongholds in the region, as stated by a Syrian defense ministry official who affirmed that Damascus aims to “completely retake the town” to secure the border from Hezbollah’s activities.
According to an official from the Syrian Ministry of Defense, the Syrian Army is collaborating closely with Lebanese forces to fortify the border. The Lebanese Army has increased responses to Hezbollah’s provocations, showcasing the tensions even among their former allies. A Lebanese military source noted, “Our forces have been ordered to respond to any attacks from Syrian territory.”
Amid the escalating conflict, Hezbollah militants reportedly launched countermeasures against the Syrian forces, including rocket attacks near Homs. However, their aggression prompted a fierce Syrian response, resulting in Hezbollah retreating from multiple areas. Sources indicate that Hezbollah has incurred significant losses, with at least 12 fighters and 8 Syrian soldiers reportedly killed in the clashes.
This recent surge of conflict represents a crucial turning point in Syria’s approach toward Iranian influence. The newly under President Ahmed al-Sharaa is making a concerted effort to reclaim control over national borders and diminish Hezbollah’s unauthorized operations, which signifies a move towards reasserting national sovereignty.
This evolving situation directly challenges Iran’s aspirations in the region. Should Hezbollah lose its strategic footholds within Syria, it could severely undermine Tehran’s objectives of sustaining its ‘Axis of Resistance’ against its adversaries. Moreover, military defeats for Hezbollah may invigorate anti-Iranian sentiments within Lebanon, potentially diluting Iran’s grip in the nation.
As developments unfold, the rift within the Iran-led alliance appears to deepen, with Damascus prioritizing its national interests over Iranian expansionism. In light of intensifying military pressures from both Syrian and Lebanese forces, Hezbollah’s isolation grows, potentially foreshadowing a significant reduction in Iran’s unchallenged authority in Syria.
In conclusion, the Syrian Army’s military operation against Hezbollah represents a pivotal shift in the regional balance of power. The collaboration between Syrian and Lebanese forces against Hezbollah highlights a growing assertion of sovereignty by Damascus, challenging Iranian dominance. As tensions escalate, this development may not only affect Hezbollah’s positioning but also signal a decrease in Iranian influence across Lebanon and Syria.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
