Status of ISIS on either side of Syria-Lebanon border unclear after attacks by Hezbollah and Lebanese army


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A week after declaring an offensive against the Islamic State near the Syria-Lebanon border, the Lebanese army has announced a ceasefire.

The army said the halt to fighting in the mountains in northeast Lebanon began at 7am (0400 GMT) on Sunday so the fate of Lebanese soldiers held by ISIS can be determined.

The Islamic State and the jihadists of Jabhat al-Nusra captured about 49 Lebanese security personnel during fighting in Arsal in 2014. Four were executed and 36 later released, but the status of the remainder is unknown.

The Lebanese army’s announcement is linked to that of Hezbollah, which is proclaiming triumph against ISIS on the Syrian side of the border in the western Qalamoun region.

A “security source” said Hezbollah fighters are trying to confirm that the Lebanese soldiers held by the Islamic State are buried in Western Qalamoun.

Hezbollah said its own ceasefire came after most ISIS-held territory had been seized. The faction’s leader Hassan Nasrallah asserted last Thursday that the battle was nearing a “very big victory” with “more than 270 square km…fully captured on Syrian land” and only “around 40 square km…under Daesh control”.

The Lebanese military has denied any coordination with Hezbollah in the operations. Any open cooperation could raise political questions for Lebanon’s governing coalition, in which Hezbollah is one party, and could also threaten US military aid to Beirut.


Video: 1st Aid to Barzeh Since Its Capitulation

Footage of the first UN aid delivery to the Damascus suburb of Barzeh since it capitulated to pro-Assad forces in May:

The opposition-held area was cut off from assistance by regime sieges before it finally surrendered, with the displacement of thousands of people, this spring.

See Syria Daily, May 8: Forced Removal Deal for Damascus Suburb Barzeh