22 Jul 2017 | 02:02 PM UTC
Syria: Anti-militant operation at Lebanon border region launches July 21
Hezbollah and the Syrian military launch a joint offense against Islamic militants in Lebanon-Syria border region July 21; avoid area
Event
The Lebanese militia Hezbollah and the Syrian military launched a joint offensive in the border region between Lebanon and Syria on Friday, July 21, to rid the area of the remaining Islamist militant presence. Authorities say the operation is focused on the Lebanese town of Aarsal and the Syrian town of Fleita. Early reports have noted significant success on the Lebanese front by Hezbollah. It is unclear how long the operation is expected to continue. Avoid the area.
Context
Islamic insurgents have taken advantage of the porous border between Lebanon and Syria to facilitate operations within Syria and on occasion, within Lebanon. Lebanese military forces and Hezbollah have engaged in multiple sweeps across the region to isolate and eradicate Islamic State- and Nusra Front-linked groups from the area to some success.
Advice
Due to security reasons, Western governments strongly advise their citizens against all travel to Syria
