Hezbollah, Syrian Army liberate more than 70km of territory near Lebanese border

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA), Hezbollah, and Lebanese Army have made significant progress in the Qalamoun region these past 48 hours, liberating more than 70km of territory along the Lebanese-Syrian border.

Beginning on the Syrian side of the border, the Syrian Arab Army’s Republican Guard and Hezbollah kicked off the offensive in the Qalamoun earlier this week, seizing almost all of the Jarajeer Barrens after a short battle with ISIL.

On Saturday, the Syrian Arab Army and Hezbollah captured a half dozen sites in the Jarajeer and Qarah barrens, imposing fire control over the Zamrani Crossing, which left the Islamic State besieged inside the Syrian lands.

Meanwhile, inside of the Ras Ba’albak area of Lebanon, the Lebanese Army liberated several hilltops north of the ‘Arsal Barrens; this resulted in heavy losses for the Islamic State, including a number of terrorist personnel.

According to a military communique, the entire Qalamoun operation has resulted in the liberation of 78 square km of territory and more than 20 Islamic State terrorists killed.