Beacon of Victory: Hezbollah's Operations Room issues statement 4,638 - Al-Mayadeen

The Operations Room of the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon - Hezbollah issued Wednesday its 4,638th statement since October 8, 2023, when it announced its mobilization as a support front for Gaza, and later, its defense of Lebanese territories amid the wide-scale Israeli aggression on Lebanon. 

"In solidarity with the resilient people of Palestine, in support of its valiant and steadfast Resistance, and in defense of our resilient Lebanese people, the Islamic Resistance has completed its path, fulfilling the command of its Secretary-General and noblest martyr, His Eminence, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and the torchbearer succeeding him, His Eminence Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem," the Operations Room said at the beginning of its statement.

It pointed out that "the Resistance remained steadfast in its pledge and struggle for more than 13 months, and was able to achieve victory against the delusional enemy, rendering it incapable of diminishing its determination or breaking its resolve."

It noted that the last word was that of the battlefield, which, with the bravery of its purest fighters, who embodied perseverance and resilience during the battles of Al-Aqsa Flood and People of Might and painted them with their blood, was able to shatter the enemy's objectives and defeat its army.  

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/beacon-of-victory--hezbollah-s-operations-room-issues-statem

Dea*th toll update | More than 30 airstrikes and nearly 100 members kil*led during “Blocking Aggression” Operation in Aleppo - SOHR

SOHR activists have documented the death of 44 members of HTS and 16 members of factions of the “National Army.”

Moreover, 37 members of the regime forces including at least four officers of different ranks were killed and five members were captured, while weapon depots, armoured vehicles, machineries and heavy weapons were taken over.

Accordingly, the number of people killed in the “Blocking Aggression” Operation by HTS and factions of the National Army has risen to 92 members.

A child was killed under shelling on Al-Qora Camp near Babisqa western of Sarmada City, while a child in Al-Qora Camp, a child in Darat Azza and a woman in Sarmin were injured.

HTS and factions continue advancing in western Aleppo countryside, and are now ten kilometres away from Aleppo City and a few kilometres away from Nubl and Al-Zahraa.

HTS and factions took control over the 46th Regiment, villages and towns of Al-Sheikh Okail, Anjara, Bala, Heir Darkal, Qabtan Al-Jabal, Al-Salom, Aajil and Al-Hawta in western Aleppo countryside, following violent clashes with the regime forces.

During the clashes, regime forces fired hundreds of shells and missiles on civil and military positions in “Putin-Erdogan” area.

https://www.syriahr.com/en/350055/

Syrian army blasts HTS in Idlib after largest anti-government attack in years - The Cradle

Syrian troops engaged in fierce battles with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) extremist group on 27 November and heavily bombarded its positions after militants launched what has been described as the largest anti-government attack since 2020. 

“Since the early morning hours, fierce battles have been taking place between the Syrian Arab Army and terrorist organizations that have launched the largest attack since 2020,” the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) said in a statement on Wednesday. 

“Very violent clashes are now taking place along the western Aleppo countryside axis, and continuous raids by Syrian–Russian warplanes are targeting terrorist gatherings and their supply lines,” it added. 

The HTS attack was launched against SAA positions in the countryside of Aleppo, Hama, and Idlib. It started with every rocket and artillery attack on the nearby villages under Syrian army control, according to Sputnik’s correspondent. 

Among the towns attacked were Nubl and Zahraa – two towns in the Aleppo countryside that were besieged by HTS’s predecessor group, Al-Qaeda’s Nusra Front, from 2012 to 2016. 

“Immediately after the attack, the Syrian army artillery began intensive shelling of the axes of the attack of the “Al-Nusra” militants, and the joint Syrian and Russian warplanes launched concentrated raids on the groups' rear supply lines, their firing positions, ammunition depots, and their military headquarters,” Sputnik’s correspondent went on to explain. 

The clashes between the army and the extremist militants are currently ongoing. 

According to Al Mayadeen, thousands of HTS fighters participated in the early morning attack. The outlet reported, citing sources in Idlib, that the extremist group has ordered hospitals in Idlib city and the countryside to stop all surgical operations and prepare to treat militants wounded in battle.

https://thecradle.co/articles/syrian-army-blasts-hts-in-idlib-after-largest-anti-government-attack-in-years

Syrian rebels launch surprise offensive in northwest as regime retaliates with airstrikes - The New Arab

Syrian rebels launched a new operation against regime forces on Wednesday, reportedly capturing several villages, as regime and Russian forces launched airstrikes on rebel-held northwestern Syria.

The New Arab’s affiliate Syria TV reported that rebels had named their operation 'Deterring Aggression' - its goal, to expand areas of Syria where displaced people could return to "in dignity and security".

Opposition forces said they had taken control of several villages in western Aleppo province - including Sheikh Aqil, Jamiyat Al-Maari, and Bala = following fierce clashes with regime forces.

They also claimed to have seized the strategic Base 46 in the area, according to rebel-affiliated Twitter accounts.

A spokesman for the Jaysh al-Izzah rebel group, Mustafa Bakkour, told The New Arab’s sister site Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that the operation had come in response to the regime and its allies massing troops and launching attacks in the northwest area over the past few weeks.

https://www.newarab.com/news/syrian-rebels-launch-shock-offensive-against-regime-northwest

“Blocking Aggression” Operation | 89 people kil*led and H*T*S supervises road between Aleppo and Idlib - SOHR

SOHR activists have documented the death of 36 members of HTS and the death of 16 members of the factions of the National Army.

Moreover, 37 members of the regime forces were killed and five others were injured , while weapon depots, armoured vehicles, machineries and heavy weapons were taken over.

Accordingly, the number of people killed in the “Blocking Aggression” Operation by HTS and factions of the National Army has risen to 89 members.

A child was killed under shelling on Al-Qora Camp near Babisqa western of Sarmada City, while a child in Al-Qora Camp, a child in Darat Azza and a woman in Sarmin were injured.

HTS and factions continue advancing in western Aleppo countryside, and are now ten kilometres away from Aleppo City and a few kilometres away from Nubl and Al-Zahraa.

https://www.syriahr.com/en/350043/

On the first hours of the operation | 75 members of regime forces and H*T*S kil*led and factions approach Aleppo City - SOHR

SOHR activists have documented the death of 26 members of HTS and the death of 12 members of the factions of the National Army.

Moreover, 37 members of the regime forces were killed and five others were injured , while weapon depots, armoured vehicles, machineries and heavy weapons were taken over.

Accordingly, the number of people killed in the “Blocking Aggression” Operation by HTS and factions of the National Army has risen to 75 members.

A child was killed under shelling on Al-Qora Camp near Babisqa western of Sarmada City, while a child in Al-Qora Camp, a child in Darat Azza and a woman in Sarmin were injured.

HTS and factions continue advancing in western Aleppo countryside, and are now ten kilometres away from Aleppo City and a few kilometres away from Nubl and Al-Zahraa.

https://www.syriahr.com/en/350040/?doing_wp_cron=1732781751.1546010971069335937500

Mikati says will reinforce army presence in south after truce - Naharnet

Caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati on Wednesday said the army will reinforce its presence in the south, urging Israel to withdraw and respect the terms of the ceasefire reached with Hezbollah.

"I demand that the Israeli enemy abide by the ceasefire deal and withdraw" from Lebanese territory, Mikati said, adding that "I hope this will be a new page for Lebanon, I hope the coming days will lead to the election of a president".

https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/309436-mikati-says-will-reinforce-army-presence-in-south-after-truce

Israelis displaced from north don’t feel safe enough to return - Naharnet

Some people in Israel who have been displaced by fighting with Lebanese Hezbollah say the ceasefire deal doesn’t make them feel secure enough to go home.

Some 50,000 people have been displaced from a string of cities, towns and villages along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. Those communities have been pummeled by Hezbollah rocket and drone fire for 13 months, with dozens of houses damaged and in need of rebuilding or rehabilitation.

Noy Friedman, who was displaced from the town of Shlomi to the city of Haifa, said she wouldn’t feel safe in her hometown.

“I am also not ready for my family to return to Shlomi,” said Friedman.

Many displaced Israelis have been living in hotels since the fighting began in Oct. 2023 or have tried to reestablish their lives in new areas far from the fighting.

Returning could take months because of the damage caused to the communities, but also because of the fears many of the displaced still feel.

On a cold, rainy Wednesday morning, the hard-hit Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona was quiet. A handful of people milled about, inspecting damage from rocket attacks, including to the roof of a bus.

https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/309438-israelis-displaced-from-north-don-t-feel-safe-enough-to-return

Lebanese Army Says It Readying to Move South after Ceasefire - Al-Manar

Lebanese Army announced on Wednesday it was getting ready to move into the south of the country and “carry out its mission” under UN Resolution 1701.

“With the ceasefire coming into effect, the Lebanese Army is taking the necessary measures to complete the deployment in the south as mandated by the Lebanese government, and to carry out its missions in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon – UNIFIL within the framework of Resolution 1701,” Lebanon’s national army announced in a statement.

https://english.almanar.com.lb/2279367#

Hours after truce, Berri calls for effort to fill presidency - Naharnet

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri called Wednesday for another effort to fill the country’s long-vacant presidency just hours after a ceasefire to halt hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel went into effect.

Lebanon has been without a president since October 2022, as its deeply divided parliament has been unable to elect a new head of state. The last effort to elect a president was more than a year ago.

Berri called for political parties to come together to elect a president “who unites rather than divides.”

“I call upon you because a moment of truth in which we must unite for the sake of Lebanon has arrived,” Berri said in a televised address.

“This is a test for how we can save Lebanon. How we can build it and how we can bring back life for its constitutional institutions.”

The war compounded Lebanon’s economic troubles and worsened tensions between political groups allied and opposed to Hezbollah.

https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/309435-hours-after-truce-berri-calls-for-effort-to-fill-presidency

PIJ's Nakhalah congratulates Sheikh Qassem on steadfastness, resolve - Al-Mayadeen

In a message of solidarity and pride, Ziyad al-Nakhalah, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement, extended congratulations to the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon for their steadfastness and sacrifices.

In his statement addressed to Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, al-Nakhalah highlighted the shared struggle between the Palestinian and Lebanese Resistance movements against common enemies, including the United States and its allies.

"From Palestine to Lebanon, from steadfast Gaza with its Resistance fighters to the resilient Southern Suburb and its people, and from the brave fighters of Palestine to the fighters of the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, you have upheld the banner of Resistance with dignity and pride despite the wounds and the enemies' onslaught," he wrote.

Al-Nakhalah praised Hezbollah's unwavering support for Palestine, stating, "You fought, stood firm, and supported your brethren in Palestine, offering precious and pure blood while others failed to provide even a sip of water to the thirsty and hungry among the Palestinian people."

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/pij-s-nakhalah-congratulates-sheikh-qassem-on-steadfastness

Hailing resilient people, Lebanese MP: 'Israel' pleaded for ceasefire - Al-Mayadeen

Ibrahim al-Moussawi, a member of the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc in the Lebanese Parliament, stated that while the Israeli occupation had raised bold slogans to defeat the Resistance, it ultimately found itself pleading for a ceasefire.

In an interview for Al Mayadeen, al-Moussawi explained that the Resistance had made it clear that the return of settlers to the northern settlements could only happen through indirect negotiations and a ceasefire.

He emphasized that the negotiations were indeed conducted indirectly, emphasizing that the recent developments were "a practical implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701."

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/hailing-resilient-people--lebanese-mp---israel--pleaded-for

Lebanon's Defense Minister announces plan to increase army presence in the south to 10,000 troops - LBC

Lebanese Defense Minister Maurice Sleem, speaking to Al Jazeera, confirmed plans to increase the number of Lebanese Army personnel deployed in southern Lebanon to 10,000 troops. 

He emphasized the country's commitment to international resolutions and highlighted that Lebanon's sovereignty relies on the full deployment of its military forces along its southern border.

https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/lebanon-news/819816/lebanons-defense-minister-announces-plans-to-increase-army-presence-in/en

UN Resolution 1701 is at the heart of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire. What is it? - AP

BEIRUT (AP) — In 2006, after a bruising monthlong war between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted for a resolution to end the conflict and pave the way for lasting security along the border.

But while relative calm stood for nearly two decades, Resolution 1701’s terms were never fully enforced.

Now, figuring out how to finally enforce it is key to a U.S.-brokered deal that brought a ceasefire Wednesday.

In late September, after nearly a year of low-level clashes, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah spiraled into all-out war and an Israeli ground invasion. As Israeli jets pound deep inside Lebanon and Hezbollah fires rockets deeper into northern Israel, U.N. and diplomatic officials again turned to the 2006 resolution in a bid to end the conflict. 

Years of deeply divided politics and regionwide geopolitical hostilities have halted substantial progress on its implementation, yet the international community believes Resolution 1701 is still the brightest prospect for long-term stability between Israel and Lebanon.

Almost two decades after the last war between Israel and Hezbollah, the United States led shuttle diplomacy efforts between Lebanon and Israel to agree on a ceasefire proposal that renewed commitment to the resolution, this time with an implementation plan to try to reinvigorate the document.

What is UNSC Resolution 1701?

In 2000, Israel withdrew its forces from most of southern Lebanon along a U.N.-demarcated “Blue Line” that separated the two countries and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, which most of the world considers occupied Syrian territory. U.N. peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, increased their presence along the line of withdrawal.

Resolution 1701 was supposed to complete Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and ensure Hezbollah would move north of the Litani River, keeping the area exclusively under the Lebanese military and U.N. peacekeepers.

Up to 15,000 U.N. peacekeepers would help to maintain calm, return displaced Lebanese and secure the area alongside the Lebanese military.

https://apnews.com/article/israel-hezbollah-ceasefire-united-nations-resolution-1701-86e3668220e8dbdb390bc803004e9660

New attacks | Russian fighter jets target positions of IS*IS cells in Al-Raqqa and Deir Ezzor Deserts - SOHR

Russian fighter jets carried out several airstrikes on positions of ISIS cells in Al-Raqqa and Deir Ezzor Deserts, focusing Al-Boshra Mountain in western Deir Ezzor countryside and positions in Al-Rasafa in Al-Raqqa countryside. However, no casualties were reported.

On November 14, the regime forces thwarted a surprise attack launched by “ISIS” members on their military positions in Jabal Al-Dahik area east of Al-Sukhnah city in the eastern countryside of Homs. The regime forces and loyal gunmen targeted “ISIS” members with artillery shells and guided missiles, which led to their withdrawal towards the depth of the Syrian desert towards Jabal Al-Amour. The forces were also able to control “ISIS” vehicles and seize the weapons and ammunition inside them.
In conjunction with the attack, Russian warplanes carried out airstrikes on “ISIS” hiding sites near Al-Sukhnah city, in addition to “ISIS” hiding sites in the 55-kilometre zone, and sites in the Syrian Hamad area near the Syrian-Iraqi border.

https://www.syriahr.com/en/350038/

Weeks after SOHR reported on preparations | H-T-S launches attack on western Aleppo countryside in “Repelling Aggression” operation - SOHR

HTS and the factions, in the “Deterring Aggression” operation, took control over the villages and towns of Al-Sheikh Aqeil, Anjarah, Bala, Hayr Darkal, Qubtan Al-Jabal, Al-Saloum, Jam’eat Al-Ma’ari, Al-Qasmyah, Kafr Bseen and Ajeil in western Aleppo countryside, following violent battles and clashes with regime forces.

This coincided with violent clashes that erupted between HTS and regime forces in the 46th Regiment, amid a siege imposed by factions from several directions, after they had taken control over Tel Al-Dab’ah and Al-Za’atari factory.
Meanwhile, regime forces fired bombarded civil and military positions within “Putin-Erdogan” area with hundreds of shells and missiles.

Hayyaat Tahrir Al-Sham deployed artillery pieces and rocket launchers in Aleppo, Idlib and Hama countryside and reinforced back posts, along with amassing troops to participate in the battle which HTS was preparing to invade Aleppo city.

Moreover, HTS deployed special weapons “American TOW missiles” which have returned to the front, as Nour Al-Din Al-Zenki Movement faction targeted, with an American “TOW” missile, a position of the regime forces on the frontline of Basraton, west of Aleppo.

https://www.syriahr.com/en/350044/

Israeli Defense Minister orders immediate action against threats to troops in South Lebanon - LBC

The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced that Minister Israel Katz has instructed the military to take immediate action against any threats posed to Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/lebanon-news/819819/israeli-defense-minister-orders-immediate-action-against-threats-to-tr/en

Ceasefire in Lebanon receives widespread support, many hail Resistance - Al-Mayadeen

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei announced Wednesday that the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomed the cessation of Israeli aggression against Lebanon, reiterating its steadfast support for the Lebanese government, people, and Resistance.

Baghaei emphasized Iran's commitment to peace in the region and highlighted its ongoing diplomatic efforts to halt hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon over the past 14 months, which have killed tens of thousands and caused widespread destruction of vital infrastructure.

"The result of the warmongering and crimes committed by the Zionist regime, fully supported by the United States and certain European governments, is the martyrdom of 60,000 innocent people, the wounding of 120,000 individuals, and the displacement of over 3.5 million oppressed people in Palestine and Lebanon," Baghaei said. 

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/ceasefire-in-lebanon-receives-widespread-support--resistance

Thousands of Lebanese return home as truce takes hold - Naharnet

Thousands of Lebanese displaced by the war began the journey back home as a ceasefire took hold on Wednesday, with many celebrating an end to the deadly fighting.

The truce brings to a halt a war that has killed thousands in Lebanon and resulted in mass displacement on both sides of the border.

The war escalated after nearly a year of cross-border fire initiated by Hezbollah in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas, whose attack on Israel in October last year sparked the devastating war in Gaza.

Israel shifted its focus from Gaza to Lebanon in September to secure its northern border from attacks by Hezbollah, and dealt the movement a relentless string of staggering blows.

The Iran-backed group, which has yet to formally comment on the ceasefire, emerges from the war massively weakened but not crushed, and still mourning the killing in an Israeli air raid of its longtime leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

Traffic on the road from the Lebanese capital to the main southern city of Sidon was congested since the early hours, as thousands of people headed back to their homes.

AFP journalists saw cars and minibuses packed with people carrying mattresses, suitcases and blankets heading south, with some honking and singing in celebration as Hezbollah supporters portrayed the truce as a victory.

"What we feel is indescribable," said one Lebanese driver on the road to the south. "The people have won!"

https://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/309434-some-displaced-lebanese-return-as-lebanon-israel-ceasefire-takes-hold

Hezbollah Strikes Key Israeli Positions, Halts Border Advance, Forces Retreats - Al-Manar

Hezbollah’s Islamic Resistance demonstrated its might to protect Lebanon’s people and territory from the Israeli occupation’s continuous aggression. Through meticulous strikes on crucial Israeli positions, extending from the southern borders into occupied areas, the Resistance successfully halted Israeli attempts to advance into border villages and disrupted any major incursions. Notably, Israeli forces were compelled to retreat under the pressure of resistance attacks from Shama and Tayr Harfa, retreating towards Alma Al-Shab, near the occupied Palestinian border.

Hezbollah’s military media released a series of statements detailing the attacks and their outcomes:

The initial statement indicated that at 10:15 AM on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Kiryat Shmona settlement with a salvo of qualitative missiles.

The second statement declared that at 11:45 AM on Tuesday, Hezbollah fighters targeted a Merkava tank with a guided missile stationed inside the city of Khiam, near the municipality center, destroying it and killing and wounding its crew.

Simultaneously at 11:30 AM, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli enemy forces in the settlements of Al-Manara and Avivim with rocket salvoes, according to the group’s third and fourth statements.

https://english.almanar.com.lb/2278322