Multiple sources said that 18 Hezbollah militants were killed during clashes with rebels near the towns of Nibbul and Al Zahraa’ north of Aleppo. Rebel fighters earlier took control of five positions that were was occupied by Hezbollah militia in the town of Fallita in Western Qalamoun area near the border with Lebanon after violent clashes over the last three days. Activists said that at least 21 pro-regime and Hezbollah militants were killed in the clashes, amid reports of mounting disagreements between Assad’s forces and of Hezbollah militia in Qalamoun over their priorities in the ongoing battles in the area. Unlike the Assad regime, Hezbollah considers that controlling all of Qalamoun a top priority because of its proximity to the Lebanese border and to its strongholds inside Lebanon. The sources added the mounting losses suffered by Hezbollah were further exacerbated by Iran’s decision to cut off its support to the Lebanese party by 25%. Field commanders in Hezbollah previously complained about deploying poorly trained elements in the battle of Qalamoun after the party had lost many of its elite commanders. (Source: Syrian Coalition + Agencies)
