Al Hadath TV captures clashes between Syrian forces and Hezbollah militants along the border on March 17, 2025

The Syrian Army has launched a large-scale military operation aimed at expelling Hezbollah militants from strategic areas along the Lebanese border, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. This move signals a notable shift in Syria’s approach to Iranian-backed militias, challenging Hezbollah’s long-standing influence in the country.

The military campaign has been centered around Hosh Al-Sayyid Ali, a border town controlled by Hezbollah since 2013. Syrian forces, supported by artillery and missile strikes, have launched sustained attacks against Hezbollah positions, aiming to fully reclaim the town. According to Al Arabiya, Syrian defense officials have emphasized the need to secure national borders and prevent Hezbollah’s continued smuggling and arms trafficking activities.

Reports from Sky News Arabia indicate that Syria has intensified its coordination with Lebanon’s security forces, a move that underscores growing regional resistance against Hezbollah’s operations. The Lebanese Army has also engaged Hezbollah forces, responding to their attacks and highlighting the militia’s waning alliances even within Lebanon. A Lebanese military official stated, “Our forces have been ordered to respond to any attacks from Syrian territory,” reflecting Lebanon’s increasing unease with Hezbollah’s influence and its implications for regional stability.

As the clashes intensify, Hezbollah fighters have launched retaliatory rocket attacks against Syrian military positions near Homs. However, Syrian forces have maintained their offensive, forcing Hezbollah to retreat from several key locations. According to Sky News Arabia, at least 12 Hezbollah militants and eight Syrian soldiers have been killed in the ongoing battle, indicating significant losses for both sides.

The offensive highlights a growing rift between the Syrian government and Tehran-backed militias. Under the new administration of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria appears to be asserting greater control over its territories, moving away from Iranian influence. Damascus has reiterated its commitment to restoring sovereignty and curbing external interference, a stance that directly challenges Tehran’s regional ambitions.

If Syria successfully reclaims Hezbollah-held border areas, Iran’s strategic leverage in the region could be significantly diminished. Hezbollah’s setbacks may also embolden opposition forces within Lebanon, further weakening Iran’s grip on its proxy network. The broader implications of this development could reshape power dynamics across the Middle East, with Syria distancing itself from Tehran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ against Western and Arab adversaries.

As military engagements continue, the outcome of this offensive will have profound consequences for the balance of power in the region, potentially signaling a decline in Iran’s unchecked dominance in Syria.

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