The Syrian Army has launched a military operation against Hezbollah along the Lebanon border, indicating rising tensions between Damascus and Tehran’s proxies. Heavy clashes have occurred in Hosh Al-Sayyid Ali, with significant casualties reported. The Syrian administration under President Ahmed al-Sharaa is actively challenging Hezbollah’s influence, marking a shift towards restoring sovereignty and reducing foreign meddling.
The Syrian Army has commenced a comprehensive military operation aimed at expelling Hezbollah militants, who are backed by the Iranian regime, from key border regions adjacent to Lebanon. This operation signifies a notable rise in hostilities between Damascus and its Iranian-supported proxies. Reports from reputable outlets such as Al Arabiya and Sky News Arabia indicate that clashes have resulted in casualties for both parties while enhancing cooperation between Syrian and Lebanese security agencies against Hezbollah.
Clashes have been particularly intense in Hosh Al-Sayyid Ali, a border town held by Hezbollah since 2013. The Syrian Army has initiated a concentrated artillery and missile offensive targeting Hezbollah installations in this region. According to a Syrian defense ministry official, the objective is to reclaim the town entirely and fortify the border against Hezbollah’s activities, which include smuggling and arms trafficking.
Additionally, Sky News Arabia highlighted that the Syrian Army is collaborating with Lebanese security forces to stabilize the border. The Lebanese Army has also been responding to Hezbollah’s assaults, signaling that the group’s aggressive maneuvers are creating tensions even among its erstwhile allies. A source from the Lebanese military asserted, “Our forces have been ordered to respond to any attacks from Syrian territory.”
Reports further suggest that Hezbollah has attempted to counter the Syrian offensive by targeting Syrian Army positions near Homs with rocket fire. However, Syrian forces have escalated their military operations, resulting in Hezbollah’s withdrawal from several locations. Sky News Arabia reported at least 12 fatalities among Hezbollah fighters and 8 Syrian soldiers amid these ongoing confrontations.
This recent engagement among Syrian government forces and Hezbollah illustrates a significant shift in Syria’s approach toward Iranian influence. Historically, Hezbollah has acted as Iran’s primary military ally, advancing Tehran’s interests in Syria. However, under the new administration of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, there is an evident effort to contest this relationship, as Syrian officials assert that they aim to “restore full control” over national borders and curtail unauthorized actions by Hezbollah, thereby reasserting sovereignty.
These developments pose a substantial threat to the Iranian regime’s ambitions in the region. A potential loss of Hezbollah’s strategic footholds in Syria would critically undermine Iran’s so-called ‘Axis of Resistance’ against Western and Arab nations. Moreover, setbacks for Hezbollah may embolden opposition sentiments within Lebanon, thereby diminishing Iran’s sway in the country. The evolving circumstances underscore the increasing fractures within the Iran-led coalition, as Damascus appears to prioritize its national interests over Tehran’s expansionist aspirations.
In conclusion, the Syrian Army’s offensive against Hezbollah marks a critical transformation in regional dynamics and Syria’s positioning regarding Iranian influence. As Syrian forces intensify their military efforts, supported by Lebanese counterparts, Hezbollah faces unprecedented challenges that could weaken its influence and complicate Iran’s regional strategies. This evolution suggests a reevaluation of alliances and a potential downturn for Iranian control in Syria.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
