Zero hour approaches Qalamoun region as Lebanese, Syrian forces prepare offensives

Zero hour is approaching the Qalamoun Mountains, as both the Syrian and Lebanese armed forces prepare to storm Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s last positions in the ‘Arsal (Lebanon) and Faleeta (Syria) barrens.

Backed by Hezbollah in Rif Dimashq, the Syrian Arab Army’s Republican Guard forces are preparing to clean the last pockets under Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham’s control near the Faleeta Barrens.

Meanwhile, across the border, the Lebanese Army will strike the ‘Arsal Barrens, which have long been under the control of both Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham and the Islamic State (ISIL).

If both operations are successful, the jihadist rebels and Islamic State will be expelled from the western slope of the Qalamoun Mountains.