Israel Bombs Syria As Armed Groups March To Homs

BEIRUT: Israeli jets bombed crucial border crossings between Syria and Lebanon as thousands of people fled the central city of Homs overnight amid continued lightning offensive by the armed groups against Syrian army.

According to Pan-Arab Al-Mayadeen network, Israeli strikes hit the Jusiyah and al-Arida crossings in Syria early on Friday.

Israel often conducts strikes on military sites within Syria, particularly those associated with Hezbollah, which has been instrumental in supporting the Syrian army in its battle against terrorist groups.

Armed groups earlier affiliated with Al Qaeda and Daesh have now cobbled up a new coalition undfer the banner of Hayat Tehrir al Sham with the backing of Turkey.

The group has already captured the key cities of Aleppo in the north and Hama in the center, dealing successive blows to Syrian army and forcing thousands of people to move toward western coastal regions, a stronghold of the government.

As Syrian army began pushing back with the help of allies, including Lebanese Hezbollah, Israeli air strikes hit two border crossings between Lebanon and Syria.

The Syrian state news agency (SANA) said the Arida border crossing with Lebanon was out of service due to the attack.

HTS has pledged to press on southward to Homs, a crossroads city that links the capital Damascus to the north and government heartland along the coast.

According to Al-Mayadeen, Isreali strikes hit the Jusiyah and al-Arida crossings early on Friday.

The Jusiyah crossing is strategically significant due to its position along the Syria-Lebanon border.

Israel often conducts strikes on military sites within Syria, particularly those associated with Hezbollah, which has been instrumental in supporting the Syrian army in its battle against foreign-backed terrorist groups.

HTS launched a sudden onslaught on Aleppo on November 27 just after a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel went into effect.

Syria has been gripped by foreign-sponsored militancy since March 2011, with Damascus saying the Western states and their regional allies are aiding terrorist groups to wreak havoc in the Arab country.