Syria’s New Government Faces Hezbollah Threat on Border

The new leadership in Syria, under interim-President Ahmad al-Sharaa, is facing serious fighting on its border with Lebanon, as battles break out with the terrorist group Hezbollah. This tension comes after Syrian soldiers were killed in attacks that are being blamed on Hezbollah operatives who crossed into Syria.

The clashes took place near the towns of Hermel and Qusayr, areas that have been used by Hezbollah for many years, especially during the long civil war in Syria. During those difficult years, Hezbollah, backed by Iran, helped the previous Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad stay in power. However, now that Assad’s regime has fallen, Hezbollah is no longer welcomed by the new Syrian leadership, and it appears they are working against the current government.

Reports state that the trouble began when three Syrian soldiers were murdered, reportedly by Hezbollah members. In response, the Syrian army fired artillery shells at Hezbollah locations close to the border. Hezbollah, however, denies any connection to the attack.

Further fighting continued, and according to a war monitor based in Britain, another five Syrian soldiers were killed during the skirmishes. Video footage from the Arab media network Al-Arabiya showed scenes of heavy fire exchanged between Syrian forces and Hezbollah. Unfortunately, journalists who were reporting from the area were also injured, including a cameraman who was hit when Hezbollah reportedly fired in their direction.

The Syrian army has since sent many reinforcements to the border area and has continued to strike at Hezbollah positions in the Hermel region. The Syrian Ministry of Defense stated clearly that it will not allow these acts of aggression to continue and will do what is necessary to stop Hezbollah’s attacks inside Syrian territory.

This situation comes at a very difficult time for Syria. The country is still suffering greatly after many years of war and destruction. One recent tragedy occurred in Latakia, where reports say that extremist groups murdered dozens of civilians from the Alawite minority. Mass graves were found, and the Syrian government is trying to deal with the terrible aftermath of this incident.

At the same time, Syria is trying to build up its economy and strengthen its relationships with other countries. President Al-Sharaa spoke with the Emir of Qatar this week, asking for assistance. There are also reports that Germany has promised to send financial aid to help rebuild the country.

Syria has also made agreements with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a group supported by the United States, in hopes of bringing more stability and security to the country.

Regarding the border fighting, the Lebanese army handed over the bodies of the three Syrian soldiers killed in the first attack. Hezbollah continues to deny responsibility, but the situation has caused fear among residents living in the border area, with many people leaving their homes, worried that the violence will grow worse.

As the new Syrian government tries to regain control and repair the country after years of war, these ongoing threats from Hezbollah and other groups remain a serious challenge.