In a significant development on the Syrian front, a source closely associated with Lebanon’s Hezbollah has confirmed that the militant group has deployed 2,000 fighters to Syria, specifically targeting the Qusayr area near the border. This move comes as the Syrian government faces mounting pressure from an intensified rebel offensive that has recently seen the capture of major urban centers, including the key cities of Aleppo in the north and Hama in central Syria.

The source, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information, stated that while Hezbollah’s fighters have entered the region, they have not yet engaged in combat against Syrian rebel forces. The deployment appears to be a strategic maneuver to bolster defenses in Qusayr, a location that has become crucial amid ongoing clashes between government troops and rebel factions.

As the situation escalates, the rebel coalition continues to push its advantage, with forces reportedly advancing towards the significant city of Homs. The source further indicated that Hezbollah has also dispatched around 150 military advisers to aid Syrian government troops in preparations to defend Homs should fighting erupt in the area.

The involvement of Hezbollah in the ongoing conflict underscores the complex dynamics at play in Syria, where various factions are engaged in a fierce struggle for control amid a backdrop of international interest and intervention. As fighting continues to spread across the region, the implications of Hezbollah’s support for the Syrian government could have far-reaching consequences for both the group and the broader conflict in Syria.