Syrian military helicopters flew low over the area around the border with Lebanon today, pounding rebel forces in a round of attacks which killed at least 10 fighters, according to one rebel official.
The strikes didn’t uproot rebels from the villages around the area, however, as they are determined to retain control over the route leading into Lebanon, where several rebel factions have set up safe-havens.
Most fighting for control of border areas has centered around Turkey, where the larger rebel factions like the Free Syrian Army (FSA) have been openly backed by the Turkish government. In Lebanon, the situation is different, as Sunni Islamist factions rely on covert support from religious blocs in the north, in defiance of the Hezbollah-led government.
This has brought Syrian rebels in direct conflict with the Lebanese government, with the FSA threatening earlier this week to attack the capital city of Beirut to punish them for maintaining close ties with the Assad regime.
Jason ditz you are a ditz. Speak with accuracy. The rebels threatened Beirut because Hezbollah is sending fighters to syria to fight the rebels. Not just because of close ties. This anti war website is a Shia loving website. Filthy
Both the FSA and Hezbollah need to step back and get their priorities straight. Whatever differences they have, they need to realize that Hezbollah is the only credible deterrent to yet another Israeli attack. With Hezbollah weakened or destroyed, Israel has a free hand to invade and occupy Lebanon. Whatever their intentions, I don't think it's in the FSA's best interest to have Assad's forces in front and the IDF in back, neither of which will show much mercy to them.
Nasrallah, call of your attacks in Syria; FSA, stay on your side of the border. There's more at stake than your personal agendas.
As a Muslim myself (Sunni), I'd much rather have Lebanon in Shi'a hands than lose it all to Israel.