Part 5/12:
The conflict in Syria continues to escalate as Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants have signaled their intent to join the fight on behalf of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Israeli intelligence reports warn that Syrian military defenses are deteriorating rapidly amid a surge of Islamist rebel attacks, especially in northern territories.
In a televised address, Hezbollah leader Naim Kassam declared that his forces will assist Assad’s government in quelling insurgent efforts, which have seen rebel factions seize control of key northern cities like Aleppo and Idlib. Kassam criticized the rebels as terrorist groups aiming to destabilize Syria and regional order, rhetorically promising that Hezbollah would contribute as much as possible to thwart what he sees as ongoing aggression.