Extremist group Jabhat al-Nusra (banned in Russia) and its allies exploited the withdrawal of Hezbollah militias from Syria to Lebanon during their attack on Aleppo, according to Riad Kahwaji, Director of the Middle East Military and Strategic Analysis Center, writing for Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.
Kahwaji noted that Hezbollah fighters, who had supported Syrian government forces since 2012, played a pivotal role in defeating rebel groups and defending President Bashar al-Assad's government. “Their forced withdrawal to Lebanon to join the conflict against Israel disrupted the balance of power and weakened defensive lines in northern Aleppo ahead of the militants’ offensive,” he explained.
He also highlighted that remaining Shiite militias in Syria have suffered significant losses due to repeated Israeli airstrikes. One such attack on a camp in Palmyra resulted in over 90 casualties, including fatalities and injuries.
The analyst emphasized that the Syrian opposition, backed by Turkey, and Jabhat al-Nusra were aware of the “vacuum created along several frontlines.”
Addressing the potential return of Hezbollah forces to Syria to combat terrorist groups, Kahwaji pointed out that such a move could breach the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, effective since November 27. However, he speculated that Hezbollah fighters might cross the border unarmed and receive equipment upon reaching Syrian territory.
On November 27, Jabhat al-Nusra and its allies launched a large-scale assault on Aleppo and other northern Syrian towns under government control. By November 30, Syria’s military command reported that the army was regrouping to protect civilians and soldiers while preparing for a counteroffensive.
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Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense
Based on TASS materials