A photo taken from the Syrian side of the border with Lebanon, after an Israeli strike on the Qousseir region in Syria, October 25, 2024. (Credit: AFP)
Al-Qusayr is a name that frequently surfaces in the news. Since the Gaza war began on Oct. 7, 2023, which quickly extended to Lebanon due to Hezbollah’s involvement, this small town has remained in the spotlight.Situated in western Syria, around 10 kilometers from the Lebanese border, Al-Qusayr is referred to as “Hezbollah’s backyard” by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).The town has been periodically targeted by Israeli airstrikes and is the subject of persistent rumors about the high-profile individuals believed to be there, underscoring its strategic importance. To fully grasp its strategic importance, we must revisit the events of several years ago.A foundational battleIn 2013, as Syria’s civil war entered its third year, Al-Qusayr became the site of a pivotal military confrontation. For two weeks, from May 19 to June 5,...
Al-Qusayr is a name that frequently surfaces in the news. Since the Gaza war began on Oct. 7, 2023, which quickly extended to Lebanon due to Hezbollah’s involvement, this small town has remained in the spotlight.Situated in western Syria, around 10 kilometers from the Lebanese border, Al-Qusayr is referred to as “Hezbollah’s backyard” by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).The town has been periodically targeted by Israeli airstrikes and is the subject of persistent rumors about the high-profile individuals believed to be there, underscoring its strategic importance. To fully grasp its strategic importance, we must revisit the events of several years ago.A foundational battleIn 2013, as Syria’s civil war entered its third year, Al-Qusayr became the site of a pivotal military confrontation. For two weeks, from May 19...