Description: The Syrian Army has clashed with Hezbollah armed elements in the Hermel region after they successfully defended the Al – Qusayr town of repeated Hezbollah incursions. The advance against Hezbollah in Lebanon represented the first military operation of the new Syrian regime in an attempt to disrupt the terrorist organization supply and smuggling routes which have been active for decades. The Syrian army would further attempt to reassert its presence and establish control over larger parts of its territory since the fall of Bashar Al – Assad in Dec.
Impact: The new Syrian regime has already been tapped by several countries in terms of close cooperation, especially Turkey, France, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The military action against Hezbollah is well timed and aimed at establishing the new government’s control over Syria’s territory and especially the porous border with Lebanon which has been considered operational hub for the terrorist organization. In the midst of geopolitical global and regional powers attempts to establish influence within the new Syrian government, gaining essential military control would be crucial for the new government as it strives towards stability and future progress. Armed clashes are expected to continue as Hezbollah has suffered severe defeats in Gaza and the West Bank and aimed at readapting and reaffirming its regional cross -border presence.