The Syrian Army has launched a military operation against Hezbollah to reclaim border control near Lebanon, resulting in escalating tensions and mutual casualties. This operation signifies Syria’s shift away from Iranian influence under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, aiming to suppress Hezbollah’s operations and restore national sovereignty.
The Syrian Army has initiated a comprehensive military campaign to expel Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants from pivotal border territories adjacent to Lebanon, enhancing tensions between Damascus and Tehran’s allies. Various media sources, including Al Arabiya and Sky News Arabia, report that the confrontation has resulted in casualties on both sides, intensifying the security cooperation between Syrian and Lebanese authorities against Hezbollah.
Clashes have erupted in Hosh Al-Sayyid Ali, a crucial border town maintained by Hezbollah since 2013. According to Al Arabiya, the Syrian Army commenced a concentrated artillery and missile offensive against Hezbollah positions, expressing intentions to fully reclaim the town and fortify the border against Hezbollah’s illicit operations including smuggling and arms trafficking.
In coordination with the Lebanese military, the Syrian forces are engaged in efforts to secure the border, responding to attacks from Hezbollah. An official from the Lebanese Army noted their commitment to countering any aggression emanating from Syrian territory, highlighting the growing discord between Hezbollah and its previous supporters within Lebanon.
Amidst these conflicts, Hezbollah attempted to retaliate with rocket strikes against Syrian Army positions near Homs, but Syrian forces escalated their assault, resulting in a retreat by Hezbollah. Reports suggest significant casualties on both sides, with at least 12 Hezbollah fighters and 8 Syrian soldiers reportedly killed.
These recent altercations signify a critical transformation in Syria’s policy towards Iranian influence. Under the leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Syrian government is actively resisting Hezbollah, which has long served as Iran’s primary military proxy in the region. Officials express a commitment to “restore full control” over the nation’s borders and suppress unauthorized operations by Hezbollah, emphasizing a desire to reclaim national sovereignty and lessen external interference.
This evolving landscape challenges the Iranian regime’s regional aspirations, as any potential decrease in Hezbollah’s stronghold within Syria could significantly undercut Tehran’s efforts to establish a solidified ‘Axis of Resistance’ against Western and Arab adversaries. Military defeats for Hezbollah could embolden opposition factions in Lebanon, consequently diminishing Iran’s grip on the nation.
The ongoing developments highlight the growing rifts within the Iran-led alliance, as the Syrian administration is prioritizing national interest over Tehran’s expansionist objectives. Pressured militarily by both Syrian and Lebanese forces, Hezbollah’s operational strength appears increasingly compromised, signaling a potential decline in Iranian dominance within Syria.
The Syrian military’s offensive against Hezbollah reflects a significant shift in Syria’s policy toward Iranian control, driven by President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration. The strategic clashes along the Lebanon-Syria border are indicative of rising tensions and a reassertion of national sovereignty, as Syria seeks to diminish Hezbollah’s influence. This could potentially alter the balance of power in the region, weakening Iran’s control and fostering increased opposition within Lebanon.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
