Syria: Army Starts Operations to Take Control of Strategic Heights near Lebanon

The Syrian army started military operations to liberate a strategic hill in Damascus province near the border with Lebanon.

The army units launched their operations in Felita region of Al-Qalamoun city to regain control over Mousa Hill which is of strategic importance as it oversees Arsal region near the Lebanese border.

Arsal in Lebanon is the most important gathering center of the Salafis and Takfiris. Arsal region has been the scene of tough clashes between the army and the militants in the last few months as it is a key point for the militants to smuggle goods and weapons from Lebanon into Syria.

According to FNA dispatches, fierce clashes are still continuing in the surrounding areas of Mousa Hill which has an altitude of 3,000 meters and the Syrian troops are advancing towards the hill.

“The battle of Mousa Hill is very important, because if the Syrian army gains control over the hill, it will pave the way for defeating the militants in Arsal region,” a Syrian military sources told on Wednesday according to FNA.

Last week, the Syrian army took control of two important border crossings near the Lebanese border in Al-Qalamoun region.

The army units took control of border passages of Al-Hamra and Al-Massib as well as their surrounding areas.

The army’s attack on Felita town in Al-Qalamoun area resulted in the death of 30 militants affiliated to the Al-Nusra Takfiri terrorist group.

The army destroyed the gathering centers of the militants and destroyed 8 trucks loaded with military equipment. The army also killed tens of terrorists in fierce clashes.

The Syrian army had also earlier made major advances near the borders with Lebanon.