Army Begins Offensive against IS on Syria Border

إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
  • W460
  • W460

The Lebanese army announced Saturday the start of an offensive against the Islamic State (IS) group close to the Syrian border in the east of the country, where jihadists have been operating for several years.

"In the name of Lebanon, in the name of kidnapped Lebanese soldiers, in the name of martyrs of the army, I announce that operation 'Dawn of Outskirts' has started," army chief General Joseph Aoun said, referring to the mountainous outskirts of Arsal border region.

The announcement was made by the Lebanese commander on Twitter and the Central Military Media outlet.

President Michel Aoun, who had arrived at the Defense Ministry early on Saturday to follow up on the operation, contacted the field commanders in the outskirts of al-Qaa and Ras Baalbek and said: “We are looking forward to victory.”

Prime Minister Saad Hariri said: "We are monitoring the army's Dawn of the Outskirts operation with all forms of support and backing to expel the remnants of terrorism from Lebanon's territory."

The National News Agency reported later during the day that the army seized control of Tallet al-Mkhayrmeh in Ras Baalbek. In parallel, it pounded the IS posts in al-Qaa inflicting casualties among the militants' ranks.

Saturday's announcement came at the same time as Hizbullah and the Syrian army announced a similar offensive to clear IS militants from the Syrian side of the border, in the western Qalamoun mountain range.

Later during the day, Hizbullah said that “IS terrorists started handing themselves in to Hizbullah and the Syrian army near Zamrani crossing in Western Qalamoun.”

Hizbullah, which provides military support to Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, launched last month an offensive to eliminate Syrian rebels as well as all jihadists formerly linked to al-Qaida from the region.

After six days of fighting, a ceasefire deal between Hizbullah and fighters from al-Qaida's former Syrian affiliate, previously known as the Al-Nusra Front, was announced.

Nearly 8,000 refugees and jihadists from al-Qaida's former Syrian branch were bused back to Syria following the deal and on Monday the last Syrian rebels were evacuated from the region.

The army is now launching an offensive against the IS fighters still operating in the area.

Arsal's outskirts had been used for years as a hideout by Syrian anti-regime militants but was also home to an unknown number of refugees seeking shelter from Syria's six-year war. 

Hizbullah chief Hassan Nasrallah said that IS holds around 296 square kilometers (115 square miles) on both sides of the border, of which around 140 square kilometers are in eastern Lebanon.

Comments 17
Thumb Elemental 19 August 2017, 09:38

The only LEGITIMATE military force in Lebanon, we pray for their safety. Destroy these monsters that were created and return home safely to your families once the task is completed.

Thumb ___flamethrower___ 19 August 2017, 13:37

The best army ever!

Thumb Mystic 19 August 2017, 13:42

Good, Remember the Resistance is close and will jump into the battle if the Army calls for the aid.

Thumb jaafar.ibn.iblees 19 August 2017, 14:14

Was the resistance close enough for those two dead shia iranian jihadists in your avatar?

Thumb Mystic 19 August 2017, 18:18

Let us not forget that it was you fools that supported ISIS, back when they were called moderate rebels against Assad.

Thumb Elemental 19 August 2017, 19:35

You "assume" like an inbred rat. YOU and your regime along with Assad and Obama's administration created them. Such a baby.

Thumb ansarullah 19 August 2017, 14:27

ما بدنا جيش بلبنان إلا جيشك يا حسين

Missing humble 19 August 2017, 17:41

Resistance? Which Resistance? The one which has destroyed the "living together" and is destroying Lebanon?

Missing humble 19 August 2017, 17:43

Or...is it Resistance to cultural progress and modernity?

Thumb justin 19 August 2017, 21:37

Army Command: No Coordination with Hizbullah or Syrian Army in Offensive
http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/234329-army-command-no-coordination-with-hizbullah-or-syrian-army-in-offensive

17:49
علام "حزب الله": الجيش السوري ومقاتلو "حزب الله" يدخلون معبر الزمراني في جرود الجراجير في القلمون الغربي ويصادرون اسلحة لـ"داعش"

Missing humble 19 August 2017, 22:11

They (Syria + Ebola) are experts in disinformation. The father of the Butcher (the other criminal) brought to Syria German ex-SS Experts to run all disinformation.

Thumb i.report 19 August 2017, 22:25

True fact. Literally 3rd Reich !

Thumb ex-fpm 19 August 2017, 23:02

Lebanese army, Hezbollah announce offensives against Islamic State on Syrian border

BEIRUT (Reuters) - The Lebanese army launched an offensive on Saturday against an Islamic State enclave on the northeastern border with Syria, as the Lebanese Shi'ite group Hezbollah announced an assault on the militants from the Syrian side of the frontier.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/lebanese-army-launches-operation-against-islamic-state-032811870.html

Thumb barrymore 19 August 2017, 23:16

Glad the army is finally doing something about the border situation. As to the perceived coordination with the iranian terrorist militia and the criminal syrian regime I am sure it is a mere coincidence:)

Thumb popeye 20 August 2017, 02:22

yes now only hezbollah will be allowed in and out of the border and will be assisted in waging its wars on arab countries.

Default-user-icon mrvain (Guest) 20 August 2017, 04:45

God bless the lebanese army & resistance, death to all traitors

Thumb janoubi 21 August 2017, 11:09

vain traitors like you