Syrian Army Enters Lebanese Territory and Clashes with Hezbollah Forces

The Jerusalem Post reported that on Thursday, February 7, the Syrian Army entered areas of Lebanon for the first time since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime and the reduction of Hezbollah's influence in Syria, engaging in clashes with Hezbollah forces. According to the report, the conflict between the Syrian Army and Hezbollah began early Thursday when Syrian forces confronted Hezbollah's attempts to advance towards the city of Qusair in Syria. A field source described the event, stating, 'Hezbollah forces made several attempts to advance towards Qusair, which were met with fierce resistance from the Syrian Army, forcing them to retreat back to Lebanon. As the situation escalated, Syrian forces entered Hawiq, a Lebanese town in the Hermel region, where clashes intensified between the two groups.' It is reported that during the day-long conflict, exchanges of fire occurred with light and medium weapons, and the Syrian Army used mortar fire to prevent further Hezbollah incursions near Qusair. Activists say that Hawiq is a border town often used by Hezbollah for smuggling operations. Since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime on December 8, 2024, the new Syrian government has been working to secure its borders with Lebanon to curb arms and drug trafficking. Hezbollah, the Iranian regime's proxy group in Lebanon, has historically relied on these smuggling routes for the transfer of weapons, drugs, and other vital equipment for its operations. An American delegation's visit to Lebanon: Hezbollah's influence in the new government will not be tolerated. Ahmad al-Shara: The presence of Iranian forces in Syria posed a threat to the region. Trump and Netanyahu discuss 'ways to counter the Iranian regime.' The Wall Street Journal: The U.S. has prepared a new military sales package for Israel. Netanyahu: I will discuss countering the Iranian regime's terrorism axis in Washington.