Breaking: Syrian Army and Hezbollah Offensive of Al-Zabadani Begins

For two straight weeks, the Syrian Arab Army’s 1st Armored Division and their allies from the National Defense Forces (NDF) and Hezbollah have quietly positioned their forces around the resort city of Al-Zabadani in preparation for a large-scale offensive of this Jabhat Al-Nusra stronghold.

The offensive began at midnight on Monday, when Hezbollah fighters surprised the Syrian Al-Qaeda group, Jabhat Al-Nusra, on the eastern highlands of Al-Zabadani, overrunning their positions before declaring the territory under their full-control.

Hezbollah was assisted by the SAA’s 1st Armored Division, who laid the foundation for the attack from their positions in the mountainous village of Bloudan to the east.

Following the capture of the eastern highlands of Al-Zabadani, the SAA’s 1st Division – along with the NDF and Hezbollah – stormed the Al-Shahraya Valley located west of the city, killing over 20 enemy combatants before the latter was forced to withdraw east.

According to a military source, Al-Zabadani is currently encircled by the SAA and their allies – he further added that the firefights are currently taking place at Tal Al-Dhuhour.