Hizbullah, Syrian Army Press Offensive in Qalamoun

Hizbullah and the Syrian army continued their advances Friday on the outskirts of al-Qalamoun region, seizing control of several hilltops.

Al-Manar, Hizbullah's mouthpiece, reported that the party's fighters backed by Syrian troops captured Shouab al-Nasoub, Abou Harb and Semaan peaks, in a new blow to jihadists from al-Qaida-affiliate al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State group.

The report said that the fighters continued their advance towards Shoumais al-Hosan hilltop, southwest of al-Jarajeer's outskirts.

A number of militants fled the area, the channel said, without specifying if any casualties fell in the battle.

Hizbullah has been on the offensive in Syria's Qalamoun mountains for weeks and has captured territory from al-Nusra Front.

With al-Nusra Front almost defeated in the area, a major battle is expected between Hizbullah and the IS.

Hizbullah is deeply involved in Syria's civil war, fighting alongside President Bashar Assad's forces. The group cites fears the Sunni militants will sweep through Shiite and Christian villages in diverse Lebanon as the reason for its involvement in Syria.

H.K.

G.K.