Hezbollah withdraws forces from Idlib
IDLIB, Syria (North Press) – The Lebanese Hezbollah began on Monday withdrawing its forces from key areas in Idlib Governorate, Northwest Syria, transferring control of its bases and heavy weaponry to the Syrian government forces.
A military source told North Press that the withdrawal was carried out in stages, with over 180 militants transported by buses from the city of Maarat al-Numan and the town of Khan Shaykhun in the south of Idlib to Homs Governorate in central Syria.
This follows high-level orders directed to Hezbollah’s leadership in the Idlib region, according to the source.
The source said that the group’s headquarters, along with vehicles and heavy military equipment, were handed over to the Syrian government forces stationed in the area.
The complete withdrawal from Maarat al-Numan and Khan Shaykhun is expected to be finalized by the end of Tuesday, the source added.
Hezbollah has been stationed alongside the government forces around Idlib since 2019, maintaining military positions stretching from the city of Saraqib to Khan Shaykhun.
In addition to its activities in Syria, Hezbollah has been involved in ongoing clashes with Israeli forces since the start of the Israeli-Hamas war on Oct. 7, 2023. The group, a key supporter of Hamas, has frequently exchanged fire with Israel over the past 11 months.