You are here
Conflict Incident Report
Hezbollah launched a second attack to clear militants out of Arsal outskirts
As the negotiations following the first offensive were not successful, the Hezbollah launched a fierce ground offensive to clear militants from the outskirts of Arsal, backed by Syrian warplanes and artillery - mainly on the Syrian side of the border -, while the Lebanese army ensure a defensive role by targetting any militants approaching the town of Arsal, and helping some families of refugees to leave the town.
On the 21st of July, the fighters from the Hezbollah attacked at sunrise several hilltop positions manned by Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, previously known as Nusra Front, under an intense cover of rocket and artillery fire.
After two days of fighting, the Free Syrian Army affiliated Saraya Ahl al-Sham retreated from the fighting in the outskirts of Arsal.
After four days of offensive, the Hezbollah fighters managed to take control over Jabhat Fatah al Sham's positions in in Wadi Maarouf, Wadi al-Khayl, Wadi Zaarour, Wadi al-Dam, Wadi al-Daqayeq, Wadi al-Maaysrah and the Qalaat al-Hosn
After a message from Hezbollah’s command calling on militants to lay down arms in exchange for guarantees of safety, large numbers of Jabhat Fatah al-Sham militants have withdrawn from their positions and headed towards Daesh (ISIS), or withdrawn to Wadi Hamayyed and al-Malahi where there are a number of refuege camps.
On the fifth day of the offensive, Hezbollah fighters seized control of Sarj al-Khourbeh, Akabat Nouh, Talat al-Nisab, and Nisab Heights along the outskirts of Arsal. They also reached an agreement with Saraya Ahl al-Sham. The Free Syrian Army affiliated Saraya Ahl al-Sham withdrew from the offensive on the Arsal outskirts. "The Saraya will head to eastern Qalamoun," a source of The Daily Star said. "The fighters, our families and civilians wanting to leave will also leave".
On the sisxth day of this armed conflict, Jabhat Fatah al-Sham's Chief of Operations Omar Wardi was wounded, after being hit by gunfire from Hezbollah.
The conflict ended on the seventh day as a ceasefire agreement went into effect. The deal includes an exchange initiative, which will see the return of around 9,000 militants and other Syrian nationals to Syria, in exchange for the repatriation of captured Hezbollah fighters. Encampments in Wadi Hmayed will effectively be emptied as a result.
Related Incidents
|
Hezbollah launched a first attack to clear militants from Arsal outskirts
Heavy Artillery [inc.rocket attacks]
Syrian forces and Hezbollah fighters targeted militant positions on the outskirts of Arsal with artillery, missiles and airstrikes in an effort to...
|
Lebanese Army tightened security around Arsal
Military/Security Forces Deployment
Lebanese Army units tightened security measures around Arsal town in northeast Lebanon, after Hezbollah launched an attack to clear militants from...
|
Death of the Lebanese mediator, working on negotiations between Syrian militant groups and Hezbollah
Assassination
Ahmad al-Fliti was killed after his car was targeted by a missile strike; Fayez Fliti was also injured during the explosion. The Lebanese Army said...
|