HTS And Allies Reach Western Outskirts Of Syria’s Aleppo City (Videos) - South Front

Militants led by al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) reached the western outskirts of the city of Aleppo on November 29 as a part of their large-scale offensive against the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), codenamed Operation Deterrence of Aggression.

Moving in small, highly-mobile formations, the militants captured an abandoned military research facility right to the east of the New Aleppo suburb in the western outskirts of Aleppo. The facility is located some three kilometers away from the western entrance of the city.

The militants also continued to advance to the south of the city, reportedly capturing the strategic al-Eis hill which overlook vast parts of the governroate’s western and southern countryside. There were also claims of several twins to the east of the hill falling into the hands of the militants.

https://southfront.press/hts-and-allies-reach-western-outskirts-of-syrias-aleppo-city-videos/

Day 3 of ceasefire: Israel's violations - Naharnet

Israeli gunfire wounded two people in Bint Jbeil Friday, on the third day of a ceasefire that ended more than 13 months of war in Lebanon.

Israeli forces also opened fire at a funeral in the southern border town of Khiam and shelled the outskirts of Markaba and Tallousah.

Four Israeli tanks and two bulldozers entered Friday neighborhoods of Khiam, where troops were not present prior to the truce, local media outlets said.

Hezbollah's al-Manar TV said troops had failed to enter the western neighborhoods of the town in two months of ground confrontations with Hezbollah.

Israeli forces "are now occupying" the western neighborhoods of Khiam, the TV channel reported.

The Lebanese army accused Israel of breaking the ceasefire several times on Thursday by conducting strikes on Lebanon with "various weapons" and continuing to patrol and surveil Lebanese skies with warplanes and drones. The army said it was "following up on these violations in coordination with the relevant authorities," without elaborating.

Israel on Thursday carried out its first airstrike on Lebanon since the truce took effect, saying it targeted the militant group's activity at a rocket storage facility in southern Lebanon.

Lebanese authorities reported scattered incidents of Israeli mortar attacks, strikes and shots fired that wounded two civilians trying to return to Markaba, a village close to the border that has been a scene of intense fighting over the past 14 months. The Israeli military described them as suspects who violated the terms of the truce.

The bursts of violence — with no reports of serious casualties — reflected the uneasy nature of the ceasefire that otherwise appeared to hold Friday as Lebanese troops began to deploy in parts of southern Lebanon, the eastern Bekaa Valley and the southern suburbs of Beirut.

The Lebanese military said it was setting up temporary checkpoints and detonating unexploded ordnance in hopes of helping displaced civilians return to their homes.

Some 1.2 million people were displaced in Lebanon during the country's deadliest war in decades. Thousands of residents, their cars stacked high with mattresses and full of belongings, began to make the odyssey back to their war-ravaged towns on Wednesday.

But their movements remain constrained. The Lebanese and Israeli militaries have ordered civilians displaced from border communities to steer clear of areas where Israeli troops are still in position.

On Thursday, the Israeli military said its troops opened fire at "several suspects" who arrived in their vehicles to certain parts of southern Lebanon in violation of the truce. The statement did not give further details.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency also reported Israeli tank fire hitting some villages and farms in the south, causing no casualties.

Col. Avichay Adraee, an Arabic language spokesman for the Israeli military, announced that a nighttime curfew for Lebanese residents south of the Litani River remained in effect, banning movement from 5 p.m. Thursday until 7 a.m. Friday.

https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/309480-day-3-of-ceasefire-israel-s-violations

UN says 27 civilians killed in northwest Syria fighting over three days - LBC

David Carden, the U.N.'s Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, told Reuters on Friday that the fighting in northwest Syria over the past three days has resulted in the deaths of 27 civilians, including eight children.

https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/middleeastnews/820446/un-says-27-civilians-killed-in-northwest-syria-fighting-over-three-day/en

Four Israeli tanks enter western district of Khiam in South Lebanon: NNA - LBC

The National News Agency reported on Friday that four Israeli tanks have entered the western district of the town of Khiam, located in southern Lebanon.

https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/lebanon-news/820428/four-israeli-tanks-enter-western-district-of-khiam-in-south-lebanon-nn/en

Israel strikes outskirts of Markaba and Tallouseh in South Lebanon - LBC

The National News Agency reported on Friday that Israeli forces launched airstrikes targeting areas on the outskirts of the towns of Markaba and Tallouseh in South Lebanon.

https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/lebanon-news/820419/israel-strikes-outskirts-of-markaba-and-tallouseh-in-south-lebanon/en

Day 3: A Fragile and Breached Ceasefire - This is Beirut

The long-awaited ceasefire seems precarious following several violations as displaced people from the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continue to return to their homes in south Lebanon, the Bekaa and the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Breaches of the Ceasefire

Recent events show that the situation remains tense. The Israeli army bombed a Hezbollah ammunition depot, an action that potentially violates the agreement but is seen by the Jewish state as a legitimate response to a persistent threat. Shots were also exchanged against vehicles. On the third day of the ceasefire's entry into force, the south of the country continues to be in the grip of Israeli strikes.

The Kfar Kila stadium was shelled, machine-gun fire was observed in Aitaroun and citizens were targeted in Khiam, where they were attending a funeral ceremony. In the same locality, the Israeli army occasionally carried out machine-gun sweeps.

In Tyre and Bint Jbeil, an atmosphere of caution prevailed, especially as the inhabitants of the villages adjacent to the border between Lebanon and Israel were warned not to return to their homes. On Friday morning, a new warning from the Israeli army's Arabic-speaking spokesman was added to the previous ones. Avichay Adraee warned the inhabitants of 63 villages not to return to their homes. 

A curfew has also been imposed on all residents of the southern Litani, under which all traffic is prohibited between 5 PM and 7 AM.

On Thursday, the Israeli army announced that it had targeted two Hezbollah members operating at a training site in southern Lebanon, citing a violation of the agreement reached. The site in question had been used in recent weeks by Hezbollah fighters to carry out attacks against the Jewish state. This was at least reported by the Israeli army, which stated in a press release that it was “deployed in southern Lebanon, continuing its operations to protect Israel and its citizens.”

Israel Sums up Its Activities in Lebanon

The Israeli military published on Friday morning a summary of its activities against the Lebanon-based terror group over the past 14 months of war. According to army data, Israeli forces struck over 12,500 Hezbollah targets, including 1,600 command centers and 1,000 weapons depots since the pro-Iranian group began its attacks on Israel on October 8, 2023.

The military said that 14 DF brigade-level task forces participated in the ground offensive launched in September, and separately, over 100 special operations were carried out.

The Israeli army added that it had confirmed with high confidence the deaths of 2,500 Hezbollah operatives, though it estimated that number to be closer to 3,500. 

The report also added that the army had captured some 12,000 explosive devices and drones during the conflict, 13,000 rockets, launchers, and anti-tank and anti-aircraft missile systems, and 121,000 pieces of communications equipment and computers.

https://thisisbeirut.com.lb/articles/1302445/day-3-a-fragile-and-breached-ceasefire

Truce deal brings more questions than answers for Lebanon - Naharnet

Hours after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire to end Israel's war on Lebanon went into effect, Lebanon woke up to the sound of celebratory gunfire instead of Israeli airstrikes and drones buzzing overhead.

It was a rare moment of respite for Lebanon, as bombs stopped falling after a year of war. Thousands of displaced people joyfully drove back to their towns and villages in southern and eastern Lebanon.

But the realization of what lies ahead quickly sank in. Town after town in the south and east as well as parts of Beirut have been destroyed, entire border villages leveled to the ground, and thousands of buildings damaged. The World Bank estimates losses amounting to some $8.5 billion.

For the tiny and broken Mediterranean country, which has dealt with compounded calamities for over half a decade, the ceasefire deal has brought more questions than answers.

Among them, who will foot the bill for rebuilding? Will Hezbollah fully remove its fighters and arsenals from the south, relocating north of the Litani River — and how will the Lebanese army ensure that it does so? And will Israel ultimately accept the militants being pushed back, battered but not destroyed?

Meanwhile, Lebanon's political paralysis between groups allied and opposed to Hezbollah has only worsened during the war — raising the possibility of instability that could rattle the ceasefire. Anger has grown among some over what they see as Hezbollah's decision to provoke a disastrous war with Israel.

Temporary calm or a step toward long-term security?

During the 60-day first phase of the ceasefire deal, based on Security Council Resolution 1701, Hezbollah and Israeli forces are to withdraw from south Lebanon, and the Lebanese military is to step in.

The Lebanese troops are to ensure that Hezbollah dismantles its facilities and military positions and that it doesn't try to rebuild. That's a major point of tension, potentially putting the army in a dangerous confrontation with the more powerful militant group.

https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/309477-truce-deal-brings-more-questions-than-answers-for-lebanon

Thousands of displaced Lebanese return from Syria as ceasefire hold - Naharnet

Thousands of people made the crossing back into Lebanon from Syria on the second and third days of a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, after nearly 14 months of fighting.

At the Jousieh border crossing in the Qusair area of Syria's Homs province, on Lebanon's northeastern border, bumper-to-bumper cars lined up on Thursday waiting to be cleared for crossing. All four lanes were taken up by cars making their way into Lebanon, while those waiting to cross into Syria had to use an offroad.

Of the six border crossings between Lebanon and Syria, two remain functional after Israeli airstrikes forced the others shut. The two countries share a border 375 kilometers long.

Over 600,000 people fleeing Lebanon poured into Syria in the past year, most of them after the war between Israel and Hezbollah escalated in mid-September. The cross-border flow was a striking reversal in fortunes given that Lebanon is still hosting more than 1 million Syrian refugees who fled the war in their country that began in 2011.

As the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took hold early Wednesday, thousands of people began their return to Lebanon.

Families packed into vehicles with suitcases, mattresses and blankets, while children clutched backpacks, some wrapped in blankets, as they made their way back to Lebanon Thursday. The mood was mixed with relief and sorrow as many returnees faced the grim reality of returning to their homes that might be destroyed.

"We have been in Syria since Sept. 23, we had to leave our jobs, our homes and our loved ones because of the war," said Hasan Fliti, a 54-year-old dairy shop owner who is returning to Lebanon with his wife and two children. "I am happy that there is a ceasefire and there is no more destruction. You are not afraid anymore of the airstrikes to hit."

On the first day of the ceasefire, more than 2,000 people crossed into Lebanon, a Syrian security official at the Jousieh border told The Associated Press.

https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/309478-thousands-of-displaced-lebanese-return-from-syria-as-ceasefire-holds

Israeli Military Says Lebanese Residents Prohibited from Entering Some South Villages - Kataeb.org

Lebanese residents are prohibited from moving south to a line of villages and their surroundings until further notice, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X on Friday.

Israel said it opened fire on Thursday towards what it called “suspects” with vehicles arriving at several areas in the southern zone, saying it was a breach of the truce with Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah, which came into effect on Wednesday.

https://en.kataeb.org/articles/sl-31430

Dramatic escalation | Six students ki*lled and wounded in rocket fire by rebels on university student dormitory in Aleppo city - SOHR

 Aleppo province: SOHR activists have confirmed the death of four university students and the injury of two others in rocket fire carried out by Hayyat Tahrir Al-Sham and their allied factions operating under the banner of “Deterrence of Aggression” operations room on the university student dormitory in Al-Hamdaniyah neighbourhood in Aleppo city which is controlled by regime forces. The rocket fire also caused material damage to the building and triggered a state of panic among students.

 

Accordingly, the number of civilians, who have been killed in aerial and ground attacks by Hayyaat Tahrir Al-Sham and opposition factions in regime-controlled areas near the “de-escalation zone” and in north Aleppo countryside since early 2024, has increased to seven. In addition, 12 other civilians sustained various injuries during the same period.

https://www.syriahr.com/en/350140/

Four killed in Syria in attack on Aleppo university dorms, state news agency says - Arab News

 DUBAI: Four civilians including two students were killed on Friday in the Syrian city of Aleppo in insurgent shelling of university student dormitories, the state news agency SANA reported.

More than 240 people, mostly combatants, were killed as intense fighting approached Syria’s northern Aleppo city after militants launched a major offensive on government-held areas this week, a monitor said Friday.

Rebels led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham launched an incursion on Wednesday into a dozen towns and villages in the northwestern province of Aleppo, which is controlled by Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government forces.

“The combatants’ death toll in the ongoing... operation in the Idlib and Aleppo countrysides has risen to 218,” since Wednesday, said the British-based monitor with a network of sources inside Syria.

In addition to the fighters, it said 24 civilians were killed.

Syrian ally Russia launched air strikes that killed 19 civilians on Thursday, while another civilian had been killed in Syrian army shelling a day earlier, said the Observatory which on Thursday had reported an overall toll of about 200 dead, including the civilians.

The attack was the biggest since March 2020 when Russia, which backs Assad, and Turkiye, which supports the rebels, agreed to a ceasefire to end years of fighting that had uprooted millions of Syrians opposed to Assad’s rule.

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2581170/middle-east

“Deterrence of Aggression” operation three days on | Clashes continue between regime forces and rebels on different frontlines in Idlib and Aleppo countryside - SOHR

 The number of combatants, who were killed during the “Deterrence of Aggression” operation which continues for the third consecutive day, has increased to 218; they are distributed as follows:

 

-135 rebels:

 

• 114 HTS members.

 

• 21 members of the “National Army” factions.

 

-83 members of regime forces and their proxy militias:

 

• 62 members of regime forces, including four officers.

 

• Six Iranian-backed militiamen.

 

• 15 militiamen of different nationalities, including an Iranian advisor.

 

Also, 20 civilians have been killed since the beginning of the large-scale military operation on Wednesday, November 27; they are as follows:

 

• A child was killed in bombardment

 

• 19 civilians, including four children and three women, were killed in Russian airstrikes.

 

SOHR sources have just reported that opposition factions managed to take control of the villages of Tel Karatbin, Abu Qansah and Al-Taliha in Idlib countryside and the villages and towns of Al-Mansourah, Jib Kaas and Al-Bawabiyah and Khan Tuman silos in the southern and western countryside of Aleppo. This followed violent clashes between both sides, which coincided with heavy bombardment by opposition factions to pave the way for advancing into those areas.

 https://www.syriahr.com/en/350134/

Kremlin comments on Syria escalation - RT

The renewed terrorist attacks in Syria are an encroachment on the sovereignty of the Middle Eastern country, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said, expressing hope that Damascus would soon be able to resolve the crisis.

On Thursday, local media reported that the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham (HTS), which emerged from Jabhat al-Nusra and includes members of several other terrorist groups, launched a large-scale attack in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. The militants reportedly managed to overrun several areas previously under the control of the Syrian military.

Commenting on the recent escalation on Friday, Peskov described it as “an attack on Syria’s sovereignty in the region,” adding “we would like the Syrian authorities to restore order there as soon as possible.”

On Friday, the Al Mayadeen network reported that Syrian forces had managed to check the terrorists' advance and launch a counteroffensive to retake lost territories while carrying out missile strikes on the militants’ headquarters.

Meanwhile, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that four civilians had been killed as a result of a terrorist shelling of a university campus in Aleppo.

The attack was the first of its kind in years, although Damascus and Moscow have frequently carried out airstrikes against various militants still active in the region, including HTS, which is recognized as a terrorist group by Russia, the US, the EU, the UK, Türkiye, and several other countries.

Russia started its military operation in Syria in 2015 at the request of President Bashar Assad with the key goal of neutralizing several terrorist organizations in the turbulent region, including Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) and Jabhat al-Nusra.

Russian air support contributed to major defeats of the terrorist forces in the following months. IS and several other groups also had to grapple with attacks by a US-led international coalition, which, however, provided support to some other factions.

Moscow maintains a military footprint in Syria, most notably at the Hmeimim and Tartus Bases.

https://www.rt.com/news/608386-kremlin-syria-peskov-aleppo/

Syrian Rebels Make More Gains In Aleppo Despite Taking Heavy Losses (Videos) - South Front

Despite taking heavy losses, militants led by al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) made more gains in the western countryside of Aleppo as a part of their large-scale offensive against the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), codenamed Operation Deterrence of Aggression, over the night of November 28 and 29.

Just after midnight, the militants announced that they had captured the towns of Miznaz, Kafr Dael, al-Barqoum, Babis, Bashqatin, Bashantra, al-Kasebiyeh, and al-Arbikh.

Later in the morning it was reported that the towns of Khan Touman, Jab Kas, al-Talhiyah, Tal al-Karatin, al-Bawabiyah, Abu Qansa, Zeitan, and al-Salihiyah had also fallen into the hands of HTS and its allies.

This advance left the militants in control in some 20 kilometers of the M5 highway leading to Aleppo city. It also boroughs them closer to the city center, with Khan Touman being located less than eight kilometers away from the Ramouse Industrial Zone in the southwestern outskirts of the city.

https://southfront.press/syrian-rebels-make-more-gains-in-aleppo-despite-taking-heavy-losses-videos/

Syrian army foils attack, launches counteroffensive in Idlib - Al-Mayadeen

The Syrian army successfully repelled the advance of the joint operations room of terrorists southeast of Idlib, as fierce clashes continue to rage on the western Aleppo front.

On Thursday, the Syrian army launched a counteroffensive to retake positions it had previously vacated in southeastern Idlib.

The army regained control of the village of Jobas and forced militants to retreat from the villages of Dadikh and Kafr Batekh in eastern Idlib, with the heaviest fighting concentrated around these areas. Syrian forces also conducted targeted rocket strikes to prevent militants from returning to these strategic locations.

The counteroffensive was accompanied by a sustained barrage of missile strikes on the headquarters of the joint operations room of militants, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which is supported by Turkish and Ukrainian intelligence. These strikes targeted areas west of Aleppo and extended as far as the supply lines in Jabal al-Zawiya, south of Idlib.

Meanwhile, intense fighting continues on two fronts in rural Aleppo between the Syrian army and armed groups. The first front is in Andan, and the second is in Khan al-Asal, where militants are desperately trying to break through.

In a related development, Syrian warplanes launched a series of strikes against a key operations headquarters of the joint operations room of militants on the outskirts of the town of Mare' in northern Aleppo, resulting in significant casualties among the militants.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/syrian-army-foils-attack--launches-counteroffensive-in-idlib

Terrorist Groups Move in Syria’s North just after Israeli Failure in South Lebanon - Al-Manar

The Syrian army, backed by the Russian air force and allies, have been confronting a major attack launched by the terrorist groups on the territories it controls in Aleppo Countryside since Wednesday.

The militant move comes immediately after the ceasefire in South Lebanon took into effect as Israeli invasion due to the fierce resistance of Hezbollah fighters, which raises several questions about the Zionist role in pushing the takfiris to operate in Syria again in an attempt to undermine its support to the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon.

Well-informed sources mentioned that the militant offensive was almost repelled, adding that the Syrian military managed even to contain the terrorist move and launch a counterstrike.

https://english.almanar.com.lb/2280566

“Deterrence of Aggression” operation latest developments | H-T-S cuts off M5 highway and the number of military fat*alities jumps to 182 - SOHR

Hayyaat Tahrir Al-Sham and supporting factions have cut off Damascus-Aleppo international highway (M5) near Al-Zarbah town in Aleppo countryside. Rebels also took control of the point where M4 and M5 highways meets near Saraqeb city, blocking the two highways, which had been reopened by regime forces a few years ago.

 

It is worth noting that military battles between Hayyaat Tahrir Al-Sham and opposition factions on one hand, and regime forces and their proxy militias on the other have intensified in Aleppo and Idlib countryside since the early hours of Wednesday morning, November 27. The military battles have left 182 combatants dead until now; they are distributed as followed:

 

-121 rebels:

 

• 102 HTS members.

 

• 19 members of the “National Army” factions.

 

-61 members of regime forces and their proxy militias:

 

• 40 members of regime forces, including four officers.

 

• Six Iranian-backed militiamen.

 

• 15 militiamen of different nationalities, including an Iranian advisor.

 

Unconfirmed information has been reported about more fatalities of different nationalities among Hayyaat Tahrir Al-Sham, but SOHR sources have not verified their identities so far.

https://www.syriahr.com/en/350100/

 

Israel says hit Hezbollah rocket site after noticing 'terrorist activity' - Naharnet

Two airstrikes targeted an area in the Sidon district on Thursday afternoon, Lebanese TV networks said.

The Israeli army said a warplane carried out an airstrike after "terrorist activity was detected at a Hezbollah facility containing medium-range rockets in south Lebanon."

"The IDF (Israeli army) is deployed in southern Lebanon, acting to thwart any violation of the ceasefire agreement," the Israeli military added.

This is the first such violation of the ceasefire that entered into effect on Wednesday morning.

An Israeli official told U.S. news portal Axios that Israel "notified the U.S. in advance" of the strike.

The mayor of the town of Baysariyeh in southern Lebanon, Nazih Eid, told AFP "a warplane launched a raid about an hour ago on the eastern edge of the town of Baysariyeh. They targeted a forested area not accessible to civilians."

The Israeli army earlier on Thursday said it fired at several suspects "arriving with vehicles to a number of areas in southern Lebanon, breaching the conditions of the ceasefire." 

https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/309467-israel-says-hit-hezbollah-rocket-site-after-noticing-terrorist-activity

Death toll update | 153 combatants killed during ongoing clashes between rebels and regime forces in Idlib and Aleppo countryside - SOHR

The number of combatants, who were killed in clashes and attacks between HTS and factions on one, hand and regime forces on the other, after launching “Deterrence of Aggression” operation by HTS, has risen to 153. The fatalities are distributed as follows:

80 members of HTS.
19 members of the “National Army” factions.
54 members of regime forces, including at least four officers.

Earlier today, SOHR sources reported that the factions managed to take control of Shabour village near Saraqib city in the eastern countryside of Idlib and enter a neighbourhood of the city from the western side. This followed violent clashes with regime forces and militias loyal to them.

The factions also captured eight regime soldiers in Ajil village and the vicinity of the housing complexes near it, during a combing operation carried out by the factions.

Since early 2024, SOHR has documented 370 operations in the “de-escalation zone,” including attacks by ground forces, infiltration operations, gunfire by snipers, bombardment, clashes and kamikaze drone attacks, which left 550 combatants and civilians dead. In addition, these operations left over 150 combatants, including a Turkish soldier, and 257 civilians, including 13 women and 66 children, injured.

https://www.syriahr.com/en/350081/

Member of Iranian Revolutionary Guard killed in Syria, ISNA reports - LBC

The Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) reported on Thursday that Brigadier General Kioumars Pourhashemi of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard was killed in Syria by "terrorists" linked to Israel, without providing further details.

Opposition groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched an attack on Wednesday on 12 towns and villages in the Aleppo governorate, which is controlled by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/middleeastnews/820201/member-of-iranian-revolutionary-guard-killed-in-syria-isna-reports/en

Israeli Army Targets Hezbollah Rocket Storage Facility, Claims Foiling Ceasefire Breach - Kataeb.org

The Israeli army announced it carried out an airstrike on a Hezbollah facility in the Sidon district, following the identification of suspicious activity at the site.

According to the Israeli military, the facility had been used to store medium-range rockets, which posed a potential threat.

In a statement, the military confirmed that fighter jets targeted the site after detecting the activity, claiming it successfully neutralized the threat.

“The Israeli army is deployed in southern Lebanon, acting and thwarting any violation of the ceasefire agreement,” the military noted, emphasizing its ongoing efforts to maintain security and uphold the terms of the truce.

https://en.kataeb.org/articles/sl-31415

Israeli army bombs south Lebanon on second day of ceasefire - The Cradle

The Israeli military carried out several artillery and bombing attacks on the south of Lebanon on 28 November, marking yet another round of ceasefire violations on the second day after the cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. 

 https://thecradle.co/articles-id/27873

Syria jihadists, allies cut key highway linking Damascus to Aleppo - Naharnet

Jihadists and their allies cut a major highway linking the main cities of Damascus and Aleppo on Thursday after launching an offensive against government forces in Syria's northwest, a war monitor said.

"Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions cut off the Damascus-Aleppo international M5 highway... in addition to controlling the junction between the M4 and M5 highways," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The government and its allies had responded to the large-scale attack with airstrikes and shelling to ward off the insurgent advances, activists said.

The violence has displaced thousands of families, and forced aid groups to suspend some of their services. Volunteers with the Syrian Civil Defense, known as the White Helmets, said at least 18 people, including three children and two women, were killed in two different villages in western Aleppo following airstrikes. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, said the airstrikes were from Russian warplanes.

Syria's armed forces said Thursday the offensive was led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, which controls much of northwest Syria and is a violation of a de-escalation agreement. It said the attacks are ongoing and have targeted a number of villages and military bases.

Turkey, which backs Syrian opposition factions, and Russia and Iran, which have backed government forces, reached an agreement in late 2019 that effectively froze the line of the conflict and prevented government advances in Idlib province, which has been the last stronghold for a mix of radical groups and Turkey-backed Syrian forces.

"Our forces are confronting the terrorist organizations with different power and in collaboration with friendly forces to ensure the situation returns to how it was," the army statement said.

Opposition factions launched the offensive early Wednesday and claimed in a series of statements on social media that they have wrestled control of over 15 villages from government forces in northwestern Aleppo, capturing a military base and hardware, and taking a number of soldiers hostage.

https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/309475-syria-jihadists-allies-cut-key-highway-linking-damascus-to-aleppo

Parliament renews army chief's term in first session after ceasefire - Naharnet

Lebanon's parliament Thursday renewed the term of army chief Joseph Aoun, who is seen as a potential presidential candidate in next year's vote.

The parliament has seldom met since war began 14 months ago, and has not convened to try to elect a president since June 2023, leaving the country in a political gridlock.

Thursday's session is the first since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire came into effect on Wednesday which has left the Lebanese military responsible for ensuring Hezbollah militants leave the country's south and its facilities dismantled. The army is expected to receive international aid to help deploy troops in the south to exert full state control there.

Gen. Joseph Aoun is seen as a likely presidential candidate due to his close relationship with the international community and his hold on an institution that is seen as a rare point of unity in the country facing political and sectarian tensions. Lebanon has been without a president since Oct. 31, 2022.

It is unclear whether the decision to renew Aoun's term will impact his chances as Lebanon's next president.

Hezbollah and some of its key allies and their legislators have been skeptical of a Aoun presidency due to his close relationship with Washington.

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who spearheaded negotiations with the United States to end the war, also called for parliament to convene on Jan. 9, 2025 to elect a president, the first attempt in almost 19 months.

French special envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian, tasked by French President Emmanuel Macron with helping Lebanon break its political deadlock, observed the session before meeting with Berri and later caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/309474-parliament-renews-army-chief-s-term-in-first-session-after-ceasefire

Clashes Approach Syria’s Aleppo City As Rebels Make More Gains (Videos) - South Front

Militants led by al-Qaeda-affiliated Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) advanced closer to the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on November 28 as a part of their large-scale offensive against the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), codenamed Operation Deterrence of Aggression.

Following heavy clashes with the SAA in the western Aleppo countryside, the militants managed to capture the towns of Khan al-Assal, Kafrnaha, Yaqed Al-Adas, and the 1st Engineers’ Village. Khan al-Assal is located around six kilometers away from the western entrance of Aleppo city.

The militants also advanced to the southwest of the city, capturing the town of al-Zarba which is located on the strategic M5 highway, the main route to Aleppo. The Sham FM pro-government radio station reported that the highway was closed by the SAA.

In the morning, HTS and its allies, including the Turkistan Islamic Party, Jama’at al-Tawhid wal-Jihad and cluster of Turkey-backed armed factions, launched a separate assault in southern Idlib countryside and reportedly managed to capture the towns of Dadikh, Kafr Batikh, and Sheikh Ali, which are located along the M5.

Heavy clashes were also reported in the nearby town of Saraqib. However, the key town remains in the hands of the SAA and other pro-government factions.

Warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Syrian Arab Air Force continued to target militants between the western Aleppo countryside and the southern Ilib countryside.

Meanwhile, reinforcements from the 25th Special Mission Forces Division, 4th Armored Division, the Republican Guards, the Special Mission Forces and other formations of the SAA have reportedly begun to arrive to the fronts in both Aleppo and Idlib.

https://southfront.press/clashes-approach-syrias-aleppo-city-as-rebels-make-more-gains-videos/

Mayor of Khiam tells LBCI: Israeli army fired sound bombs at residents - LBC

The mayor of Khiam, South Lebanon, confirmed that what happened on Wednesday was that some residents returned to the town and reached a point where the Israeli army was still present. 

The army then fired sound bombs at them, including at journalists.

He told LBCI: "We asked the residents not to enter according to the ceasefire agreement so that the Lebanese army could first enter and ensure the safety of the residents before they return."

He confirmed that the Israeli army is present in the northeastern area of Khiam and near the town only.

https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/lebanon-news/820128/mayor-of-khiam-tells-lbci-israeli-army-fired-sound-bombs-at-residents/en

Northern Israeli settlers frustrated over Lebanon ceasefire - Al-Mayadeen

As residents in South Lebanon return to their homes following the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and the Israeli occupation, Israeli media reports highlight growing fear and frustration among settlers in northern border settlements. These sentiments are fueled by what they describe as a sense of abandonment by the Israeli government, which has been echoed repeatedly throughout the war.

Israeli Channel 12 reported a "deep mistrust" between northern settlers and the Israeli occupation forces, noting that "no one has addressed the reality in the north for over a year." The network quoted a resident of Metulla, a northern border settlement, who said, "Being neighbors with Lebanon, the Israeli military must do much more to restore our sense of security."

Despite government calls for settlers to return, many express doubts, with Channel 12 adding that "there is no place to return to." The displacement has also disrupted daily life, including education, as families struggle to resume normal routines.

Strategic advisor Eyalet Frisch criticized the mass evacuation of roughly 100,000 northern settlers during the war, describing it as a "strategic mistake" driven by "hysteria over Hezbollah." Former Israeli military spokesperson Avi Benayahu echoed this view, stating that the military was in a state of panic after evacuating from the north. 

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/northern-israeli-settlers-frustrated-over-lebanon-ceasefire

Israeli attack injures two in Markaba; Merkava tank fires shell at Al-Wazzani, South Lebanon: NNA

The National News Agency reported on Thursday that two people were injured in the town of Markaba in South Lebanon following an Israeli attack. 

 

The Israeli army radio confirmed that an air force drone targeted a car in Markaba to move it away from a restricted area.

Additionally, a Merkava tank fired a shell at the town of Al-Wazzani, located in southern Lebanon.

https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/lebanon-news/820116/israeli-attack-injures-two-in-markaba-merkava-tank-fires-shell-at-al-w/en

Army deploys in south Lebanon under ceasefire deal - Naharnet

Lebanon's military deployed troops and tanks across the country's south on Thursday as a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war largely held for a second day.

The truce ended a war that began a day after Hamas's unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, killing thousands in Lebanon and sparking mass displacements in both Lebanon and Israel.

Israel shifted its focus from Gaza to Lebanon in September to secure its northern border from Hezbollah attacks, dealing the Iran-backed movement a series of staggering blows.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, the Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers were to become the only armed presence in south Lebanon, where Hezbollah has long held sway.

A Lebanese army source said its forces were "conducting patrols and setting up checkpoints" south of the Litani River without advancing into areas where Israeli forces were still present.

In the border village of Qlaaya, residents threw rice and flowers to celebrate the arrival of Lebanese soldiers.

"We only want the Lebanese army," chanted the residents of the Christian-majority village, as they clapped and cheered for the troops and waved the Lebanese red, white and green flag.

Since the ceasefire took effect on Wednesday, tens of thousands of Lebanese who fled their homes have headed back to their towns and villages, only to find scenes of devastation.

https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/309464-army-deploys-in-south-lebanon-under-ceasefire-deal

Dozens killed as armed groups attack Syrian military in northern Aleppo - Al-Jazeera

Hay’et Tahrir al-Sham fighters are reported to have captured Syrian army weapons depots and taken armoured vehicles during attacks.

Dozens of Syrian army soldiers and rebel fighters have been killed in northern Aleppo province where the Hay’et Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) armed group and allied forces have overrun at least 10 areas under the control of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s military, according to reports.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said almost 100 fighters and soldiers were killed during clashes on Wednesday, following an operation launched by HTS, which controls a large area of northwestern Syria.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/28/dozen-killed-as-armed-groups-attack-syrian-military-in-northern-aleppo

Israel army sets limits on nighttime movement in south Lebanon - Naharnet

The Israeli army announced restrictions Wednesday on people's movements in south Lebanon after dark, hours after a ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect.

Residents will be barred from travelling south of the Litani River, some 30 kilometers from the border, between 1500 GMT and 0500 GMT Thursday, military spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a post on X. They will also be barred from returning to villages the army has ordered evacuated, he added.

https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/309455-israel-army-sets-limits-on-nighttime-movement-in-south-lebanon

Islamic Resistance Emerged Victorious over Delusional Enemy, Carried Out 4637 Attacks in 417 Days: Operations Room - Al-Manar

The Islamic Resistance Operations Room issued on Wednesday a statement which affirmed that, in support of the steadfast Palestinian people as well as their valiant and honorable resistance, and in defense of Lebanon and its resilient people, the Islamic Resistance continues its journey, answering the call of its Secretary-General and supreme martyr, His Eminence Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah, may Allah sanctify his soul, and under the banner of his successor, His Eminence Sheikh Naim Qassem, may Allah preserve him.

Over more than 13 months, the resistance has maintained its pledge and fight, achieving victory over the delusional enemy that has failed to break its resolve or will, according to the statement which added that it is the battlefield that has spoken, with steadfast fighters relying on Allah to thwart the enemy’s goals, defeat its army, and pen with their blood epics of resilience and defiance during the battles of Al-Aqsa Flood and The Formidable in Might.

On this momentous occasion, the Resistance announced the following:

– Since the launch of Al-Aqsa Flood operations on October 8, 2023, the Islamic Resistance has conducted more than 4,637 [announced] military operations over 417 days, averaging 11 operations daily.

– Since the start of “Israeli” enemy aggression on Lebanon and the launch of The Formidable in Might operations on September 17, 2024, the resistance has executed 1,666 diverse military operations, averaging 23 operations daily. These targeted “Israeli” army sites, barracks, bases, cities, and settlements, ranging from the Lebanese-Palestinian border to beyond Tel Aviv. The operations also included heroic confrontations against ground incursions into Lebanese territories.

– Within the framework of The Formidable in Might operations, the resistance conducted 105 military operations under the qualitative Khaibar series. These targeted dozens of strategic military and security bases, many for the first time in the enemy’s history, employing qualitative ballistic and qualitative missiles and advanced drones, reaching depths of 150 km into occupied Palestinian territory, beyond Tel Aviv.

– Cumulative losses inflicted on the “Israeli” enemy army since its ground advance into Lebanese territories on October 1, 2024, until the issuance of this statement include:

– Over 130 soldiers and officers were killed, with more than 1,250 wounded.

– Destruction of 59 Merkava tanks, 11 military bulldozers, 2 Hummers, 2 armored vehicles, and 2 personnel carriers.

– Downing of 6 Hermes 450 drones, 2 Hermes 900 drones, and one quadcopter glider.

It should be noted that these figures do not include losses at military bases, sites, settlements, and occupied cities.

https://english.almanar.com.lb/2279829

Is he alive? Recent photos of Safa emerge after ceasefire - Naharnet

Pictures of Hezbollah Coordination and Liaison Unit chief Wafiq Safa surfaced Wednesday on social media shortly after the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire went into effect.

Safa’s fate had remained shrouded in mystery after reports said he was either killed or severely injured in a massive Israeli airstrike that targeted two buildings in Beirut’s Nweiri and Basta.

Safa appears unscathed in the circulated pictures, which show him visiting a cemetery along with other men at an unidentified location.

The airstrike that targeted Nweiri and Basta left dozens of people dead or wounded and was largely portrayed in the media as an attempt to assassinate Safa.

https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/309453-is-he-alive-recent-photos-of-safa-emerge-after-ceasefire