The presence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group has created a “great need” for guerrilla fighters from the Lebanon-based Hezbollah terror organization to remain in Syria.
That was the message from Hezbollah executive council deputy head Nabil Qaouk, who spoke Monday at a ceremony in the southern Lebanese village of Aita Shaab.
Qaouk was quoted by The Daily Star newspaper in Lebanon as saying that Hezbollah and the Amal Movement had “succeeded in defusing sectarian tensions” following the beheading of soldiers by ISIS last week. He said the murders had “disappointed the radical group.”
Quaouk said, “There could never be a war of words between ISIS and us, but there is the field where we will defeat them. We will not engage in a war of statements or political disputes.
“Day after day, it is becoming clear to Lebanon, the Arab, Muslim and international communities that there is a great need for Hezbollah to remain in Syria. The current situation today imposes on Hezbollah to stay in Syria more than any other time.”
Last month there were five days of clashes between the Lebanese Army and terrorists from ISIS and Jabhat al Nusra (Al Nusra Front) – two radical Islamist terror groups operating with the rebel factions in Syria.
The fight began with the terrorists attempting to invade the small border town. It ended with a cease-fire, but the rebels still hold at least 22 Lebanese soldiers and police officers taken captive during the battle. ISIS has so far beheaded two soldiers, and Jabhat al Nusra has released seven police officers.
Qaouk called for a national strategy and a broad national solidarity to “tighten the noose on the takfiris (false Muslims) and strengthen the Army so that it can free the soldiers,” he said. “The beheading of soldiers by ISIS was aimed at inciting strife between Sunnis and Shiites but Hezbollah and Amal succeeded in eliminating such strife, not just putting out the blaze,” he said.
ISIS is comprised of extremists who claim to follow Sunni Islam. Hezbollah is comprised of those who observe the Shi’ite branch of Islam. Both groups are committed to wiping out the Jewish State of Israel.