The Syrian Army has launched a military operation against Iranian-backed Hezbollah near the Lebanon border, marking increased collaboration with Lebanese forces. Heavy clashes have led to casualties, signaling a shift in Syria’s strategy under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as they seek control over their borders and reduce foreign influence.
The Syrian Army has initiated a comprehensive military operation aimed at expelling Hezbollah militants, backed by the Iranian regime, from crucial border regions adjacent to Lebanon. This development indicates escalating tensions between the Syrian government and Iranian-supported groups. Reports from Al Arabiya and Sky News Arabia detail casualties on both sides and an increase in security cooperation between Syria and Lebanon against Hezbollah.
Heavy fighting has erupted in Hosh Al-Sayyid Ali, a strategic town under Hezbollah control since 2013. The Syrian Army has been conducting intense artillery and missile strikes against Hezbollah locations. A Syrian defense ministry official stated the goal is to “completely retake the town” and secure the border from Hezbollah’s illicit activities, including smuggling and arms trafficking.
Additionally, the Lebanese Army has engaged in responses to Hezbollah’s attacks, reflecting rising tensions even among past allies in Lebanon. A Lebanese military source reported, “Our forces have been ordered to respond to any attacks from Syrian territory.”
Hezbollah’s retaliation involved rocket attacks targeting Syrian Army positions near Homs, which resulted in the Syrian forces intensifying their operations and forcing Hezbollah’s retreat in various areas. Reports indicate significant losses, including at least 12 Hezbollah fighters and 8 Syrian soldiers killed.
These confrontations signify a critical shift in Syria’s approach towards Iranian influence, especially under the new leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The Syrian government aims to regain complete control over its borders and restrict Hezbollah’s unauthorized ventures, indicating a desire for greater sovereignty and less foreign influence.
Iran’s strategic stakes are high, as losing Hezbollah strongholds could impede its efforts to sustain the ‘Axis of Resistance’ against Western and Arab powers. Moreover, any military failures for Hezbollah could invigorate opposition factions within Lebanon, compromising Iran’s authoritative grasp over the nation.
Overall, this situation underscores the intricate dynamics within the Iran-led alliance, highlighting Damascus’s prioritization of national interests above Tehran’s ambitions. As Syrian and Lebanese forces apply military pressure, Hezbollah’s isolation is likely to grow, suggesting a potential decline in Iranian dominance in Syria.
In conclusion, the Syrian Army’s offensive against Hezbollah marks a significant shift in regional power dynamics, as Syria seeks to assert its sovereignty and reduce Iranian influence. With military cooperation between Syrian and Lebanese forces increasing, Hezbollah’s position is becoming precarious, which could result in a decline of Iranian authority in Syria and Lebanon.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
