Sayyed Nasrallah’s Full Speech on Arsal Outskirts Victory
Local Editor
In His Name
Speech delivered by Hizbullah Secretary General, His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on the developments of the battle in Arsal Outskirts, during a televised speech on July 26, 2017.
I seek refuge in Allah from the stoned devil. In the Name of Allah, The Most Compassionate, The Most Merciful. Peace be on the Seal of prophets, our Master and Prophet, Abi Al Qassem Mohammad and on his chaste and pure Household, and on his chosen companions, and on all messengers and prophets.
Peace be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessings.
The main topic for tonight's speech is the battle currently taking place in the Arsal Outskirts, and which was taking place in the Flitah Outskirts prior to that. I would like to describe the battle, comment on it, make some clarifications, and illustrate its trajectory: Where are we heading? Where will we reach? What are the actual choices? What will come next?
However, before moving into the main issue for tonight, allow me to mention some quick points:
First, on behalf of the resistance and the resistance fighters, I would like to hail the people of al-Quds and all people stationed in al Quds - the people of the West Bank and all the Palestinians who flooded to the old city to defend al-Aqsa Mosque - this holy place - and to impose a new victory. In fact, what we saw in past days is a victory which is supposed to continue. They obliged the enemy to remove the electronic gates and the new measures which seek to impose the sovereignty of the "Israeli" enemy on the al-Aqsa Mosque. With their presence, prayers, takbirat (calls of ‘Allahu Akbar'), armless fists, and chests which confront bullets and bombs, they made this victory. Anyway, this is a new experience to be added to the experiences of the popular resistance choices, whether in its military or civil dimensions.
Second, I would like also to thank the dear brother and leader Sayyed Abdul Malak Baddreddine al-Houthi for the speech he delivered days ago and in which he clearly announced without any courtesies his support and the support of the fighters and resistance men in the oppressed and forlorn Yemen to Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, in case of any confrontation with the "Israeli" enemy, which asserts the formula of power which our nation, the peoples of our nation, and the resistance movements in our nation seek to consolidate and assert. Many thanks to Sayyed al-Houthi and all the dear, patient, and steadfast people in noble Yemen. In fact, I have a phrase of praise to say. We in Lebanon were a bit preoccupied in the Arsal Outskirts, and the security conditions in the country do not allow us to undertake popular actions which are really appropriate to what is taking place in al-Quds. However, have you seen a rally in solidarity with al-Quds all over the Arab and Islamic world greater, more massive, and more important than the popular rallies that took place in Yemen? I always like to remind of this issue, and call on everyone who has a wrong stance on what is taking place in Yemen to reconsider his stance.
Third, during these days we mark the anniversary of the July War, the July aggression, and the great victory. Indeed, we are all following up the news and recalling the emotions we had on such days. However, tonight, I will not talk about this occasion. I only want to make this reference, and will leave talking about this great occasion to the ceremony which Hezbollah will hold God willing for the occasion on August the 14th.
Fourth, in a few days - on August the 1st - we will mark National Army day. On this occasion too, which hails the army - the partner and the pillar in the ‘golden formula' and the ‘diamond formula' - I would like to extend my felicitations to the leadership of the army as well as its officers, noncommissioned officers, soldiers, martyrs, and prisoners, along with their families, on this happy and noble day.
This day is also a national day for the Syrian Army which we also salute along with its leadership, officers, noncommissioned officers, soldiers, martyrs, and wounded.
Fifth, today, I will not comment on the statements made by US president Trump and other officials in the US administration on Hezbollah so as to facilitate the moves of the official governmental delegation there and to avoid embarrassing the delegation. We have time in the future. God willing the delegation will return safe and sound, and we will have other occasions God willing on which we may talk and say our comments.
The last point which I will make before moving into the main issue is that I do not want to get engaged in a contest or a futile argument with anyone. We do not want to consume ourselves and our nerves as well as your precious time. I will tackle the issue in a positive, responsible, quiet way. Indeed, there are some people who are tense as a result of some stances or words or statements, and they expect that I will say that which will vent their anger. Well, in fact, I do not want to vent anyone's anger. We are not in a battle of venting anger. We are in a responsible battle in which noble blood is being shed. Sacrifices are being offered in this battle, which is shaping the fate of the country. So let's be responsible in what we are saying.
Well, the main issue is the ongoing battle in the Arsal Outskirts and Flitah.
The main issue is the battle in the Arsal Outskirts and Flitah.
As usual, I'll divide it into two titles:
The first title is the goal of this battle. The goal of this actual battle taking place today is to expel the armed groups from zones controlled by the Nusra Front, whether in the Arsal Outskirts or Flitah Outskirts, meaning Syrian territory or the Lebanese territory. Now why are we seeking this goal? We've explained many times the danger of the presence of these armed groups in these outskirts and how it could affect Lebanon, Syria and everyone. I don't want to repeat what I said because there are lots of other things to talk about. But I urge those who still want to discuss and ask, or who are feeling unsure, to go and ask, because this battle is rightful. I find it an unambiguous, unquestionable, clear, and bright right. Anyone who's doubtful can head off to Hermel and ask its people who have been subjected to missiles and car bombs. They can then continue to the other villages of Hermel: Qaa, Fakiha, Ras Baalbek, Arsal, Labweh, Nabi Othman, Bizaliyah, Maqneh, Younine, Nahlah and Jmaliyah, all the way to Baalbek, in addition to the Beqaa right behind them, and ask. Anyone who's doubtful can go to the regions that were struck by car bombs - which led to martyrs and injured who are still suffering from their injuries - and ask them, or go to regions that were being targeted during past years and months by new car bombs. Once they're done asking them, let them answer themselves why we should achieve this goal.
This is the first point, regarding the goal of the battle.
The second point is about the timing of the battle. This operation has actually been postponed from 2015. In 2015, we restored most of the outskirts in the Lebanese and Syrian territories, until we reached the situation we were in before last Friday. This battle that should've taken place was postponed. The question isn't why now?
The real question is why was it delayed? We chose this timing due to the fact that in the past few months, it was revealed that the outskirts really turned again into bases for suicide bombers. They are the bases that are relied upon for providing suicide belts, explosives, and car bombs, after all the units formed inside Lebanon failed in their mission by virtue of the efforts of the Lebanese Army and the official security services. This was an incentive to us, and it also seemed that it is not in our interest to postpone it anymore. We took this decision. Of course, this issue is problematic for some people. I respect the different opinions in this matter, but I'd like to confirm that this is not an Iranian decision. Iran didn't order Hezbollah to go to the Arsal and Flitah Outskirts. It wasn't a Syrian decision either, even in Flitah.
We contacted the Syrian leadership and asked for their help in this battle.
Otherwise, if left alone, their priority would be fighting in other regions. However, they joined us in our fight on the Syrian territories occupied by the Nusra Front.
So this decision is autonomous and internal, and it isn't related to any regional side. It wasn't scrutinized, discussed, planned or decided in any other place. I want to provide political analysts with facts. Moreover, we have been preparing for this battle since last winter. It began as an idea, and we started planning theoretically. By early spring, we carried out the surveys, gathered information, made logistical and human preparations, and finalised the plans. We had two choices: either before the Month of Ramadan, and there was a possibility that it would extend to the Month of Ramadan, or after the Month of Ramadan. We preferred going for the second option. Thus the timing had nothing to do with Geneva, the Astana Conference, the Putin-Trump meeting, American-Iranian relations, or easing tense areas. It also had nothing to do with Daraa, the Qatar-Gulf crisis, or what's happening in al-Quds. It's not related to anything because it dates back long before these events. This is why the analysts need to relax, and we will provide them with facts. Anyway, anyone who has just a little acquaintance with military perspectives and battle affairs knows that the decision for such a battle can't be taken a couple of days beforehand, such that the forces would start fighting and make these accomplishments this fast. In fact, this battle requires at least months of preparation, which proves that it isn't related to any events or political developments that occurred recently.
The third point has to do with the battle developments. We said from the very beginning that the field will speak for itself. This is why past these few days neither I nor any of those concerned had shown up on TV screens to give explanations or to hold a press conference. The field and the concerned media outlets were providing facts about the events in isolation of any interpretations or explanations.
As this topic is very important, allow me to go into the details of the developments of the battle.
First, as per the geographical field of the battle, everyone saw it on their TV screens. We are not talking about an unseen front. All people can sit before the TV screen and see the area where the battle took place. The area of the battlefield is approximately 100 km2. The topography of the area which was controlled by the Nusra Front, whether in the Flitah Outskirts or the Arsal Outskirts is not a plain or desert. It is a mountainous area where some mountains are 2000 kilometers high or even higher. It comprises of mountains, high hills, valleys, and it is a barren area.
Whoever has the least military acquaintance knows that fighting in this area is absolutely one of the most difficult modes of fighting.
Second, in these mountains, valleys, and hills, there is a fortified enemy in a defensive position. Consequently, any person who is in a defensive position and is fortified has more of an advantage, especially since they have spent years in these mountains which comprise caves and channels.
In fact, the natural composition of the area includes natural barricades more sturdier that any barricades or defensive lines which could be built or designed. Indeed, they do not have the least problem as per the topology, the number of fighters, as well as their moral and psychological status.
Their families are near them in the camps. They can climb down to them and up again. They are relaxed. They have arms, ammunition, capabilities, foodstuff, and medical supplies. This is another point of research.
Third, the resistance fighters are in an offensive position, and consequently, they are the ones who are making the moves while being uncovered and targeted too. The enemy is in control, and as we have mentioned, the mountains are tough and barren; thus you have to walk on foot. As you have seen on the TV, they climb up the hills on foot and down the valleys on foot. They walk on foot in most of the areas; afterwards, they may resort to some vehicles when reaching certain areas. This is one of the difficulties which must be taken into consideration.
Likewise, the element of surprise did not exist, because for months we have been saying, giving speeches, and talking about a settlement. We also used to propose addressing the issue through a certain settlement that would end the presence of militants in the barren areas and their exile to Idlib, Syria, in agreement with the Syrian leadership, while guaranteeing the rights of the displaced; or else we would go to our other choices. This was not a secret in the country. This is an important point too.
Praise be to Allah Almighty. There is a number of elements which led to this victory. I will mention some of these elements tonight and save some for the days to come. One of these elements is the plan. It was a compact, good, and fully-considered plan which made use of all the previous experiences which our military leaders and fighters passed through up until our day. They committed themselves to the plan. Furthermore, the well-experienced military and field commands led the battle calmly. Other elements include the bravery of the fighters as well as their courage, high spirits, and discipline. What is really remarkable is their extreme zeal and high spirits. They joke, laugh, and talk with ease. Blessed are their sacrifices, especially the sacrifices of the dear and noble martyrs and wounded. Indeed, there are other elements which I will mention later on.
Now it is time to talk to you. I can say that we are before a very great military victory in the field. This victory was achieved within 48 hours. In fact, in the first couple of days, a great turn took place in the front. Then we started advancing at a slower pace. This victory indeed took everyone by surprise. This tough area which I talked about a while ago - where this was made with such speed and precision with the least possible costs on the level of martyrs and wounded - is a great and very important achievement which must be pondered on.
The fourth point under the topic of battle developments: in the Flitah Outskirts the battle was common with the Syrian Army - meaning we fought shoulder to shoulder with the Syrian Arab Army. We as well as they had martyrs and wounded, and the entire area of the Flitah Outskirts was liberated. We can say that on the Syrian territories Nusra does not exist anymore.
It goes without saying that till this very moment the identity of some valleys is still controversial. Are they Syrian or Lebanese? There isn't a clear demarcation of the borders. However, in general, we can talk about such an outcome.
The fifth point: on the Lebanese territories, what the Lebanese Army did in the adjacent areas of Arsal and its outskirts, and along the confrontation line, was very essential in producing this victory and achievement.
Now I want to talk about facts. Among its legal responsibilities, the Lebanese Army exists on a long confrontation line with the armed forces.
First, if we are to talk about what was done so that the fruits of this effort become clear: the locking down of the confrontation line throughout the whole area. Along the entire area, the militants are not allowed to climb down to the outskirts or head up to the outskirts, which was ensured via positions for the Lebanese Army. Thus all militants who tried to advance towards Arsal or towards the lines where the Lebanese Army are present were confronted and targeted.
Second, regardless of this move, the Lebanese Army said via several statements that it struck targets for the militants in the area for certain reasons; thus the militants felt unsafe. As such, we can say that the battle is not with the Resistance only.
Third, the Army provided security protection for Arsal and all the towns on the confrontation line. We mention Arsal in particular because it is closest to the front. Consequently, the residents of these towns felt assured. The measures taken, the communication, and the general relations created by the army inside the town of Arsal created an great atmosphere of reassurance, whether as per the residents of Arsal or the Syrian refugees in the town. As such the town of Arsal was spared all kinds of clashes or skirmishes. This let the town be relaxed and protected. This also applies to the other towns. This was a primary and decisive element that impeded the way before all sedition-seekers who were bargaining on exploiting the town of Arsal or any resident of Arsal in this battle.
In this confrontation too, the Lebanese Army protected the Syrian camps and refugees and assisted them. The Lebanese Army even protected the camps which are not under its control in Wadi Hmayyed and Al Malahi with its efforts and by targeting with fire any movement taken by the Nusra Front towards these camps. It created a kind of protection for these camps by preventing the militants from approaching them, whether these camps were under its control or not.
So the Lebanese Army via its presence, responsibility, and guard around the clock, was able to provide this strong barrier and this reassuring protection, managing to calm down everyone and enabling all to focus on the true battle.
We reached the sixth point under the topic of battle developments. Because we respect whoever acts with responsibility, we must highlight the rational and responsible conduct of Saraya Ahl al-Sham. For those who do not know the details, we say that there is a brigade which was and still exists in the Arsal Outskirts. It also has positions on the front lines. It's called Saraya Ahl al-Sham.
On the first day, they partook in the fight. We fought against them as we fought against the Nusra Front. However, later they acted with rationality and answered the call of the mind. They understood very well that this is a battle with no hope for them at a time when a door was opened before a solution and a settlement that would spare their blood as well as our blood, and protect everyone and is fair to everyone.
They took a decision the very next day to withdraw from the front lines to the refugee camps in Wadi Hmayyed and Al Malahi, and they themselves assumed the responsibility of protecting their families and the refugee camps there. We facilitated this withdrawal for them. They trusted us because we had a commitment - which I will talk about in a while - to the effect that the refugee camps in Wadi Hmayyed and Al Malahi would not be harmed. Still their presence to protect them and to guard them was an additional element to assure the refugees - who are thousands in number - as these camps are outside the scope of the presence and responsibility of the Lebanese Army.
Indeed, we express our thanks, and we are grateful for their rational and responsible conduct, and we have a commitment towards them which I want to assert because this commitment was made verbally. We are ready at any time which they find fit - and we have talked with the Syrian leadership to this effect some time ago and they agreed on it - and we will coordinate with the Lebanese state and the Syrian state to facilitate the exile of the Saraya Ahl al-Sham militants with full dignity along with their families and civilians to wherever they want, while observing all the details which would be agreed upon. Indeed the Syrian state must agree on the chosen place, as the moves will be taken in coordination with it, and there is no problem in that.
We have a commitment to this effect, and we are ready for it at any time. Things are in their hands now.
The seventh point under the topic of the developments of the battle has to do with the Nusra Front. Unfortunately, the leaders and officers in this front did not answer all the previous calls. The door was open to them, and we were serious, and that was the best and most appropriate solution.
Some may say that we insist on fighting to make a victory to brag about. We are not in need of victories at all. The sacrifices of the resistance fighters and their blood and souls and the tolerance of the people in that area are more valuable to us than considerations of this kind.
Thus we were serious, and we made our overt and covert proposals. However, it is they who acted with arrogance and in an irresponsible way. Perhaps some of their incorrect analyses considered that it was mere psychological warfare and that there is no battle, no fighting, or anything of this sort. Thus they wasted this chance. Even when the battle started they made their bets because when any military man views this region, he would make such a bet. This bet is not irrational; it is rather rational. There is a battle taking place, and the men of Hezbollah are coming. However, there are mountains, hills, caves, channels, and a rocky barren area...We will fight them and afflict casualties on them, and defeat them, and frustrate this battle. Perhaps it is because the battle is difficult as I said a while ago.
Anyway, when the developments advanced and the front line positions fell, no soon did the high mountains and hills and the most complicated positions and the toughest valleys collapse, and they started retreating and losing ground. Besides losing ground, positions, operation rooms, and main headquarters, casualties fell too, whether killed or wounded, and a state of perplexity and confusion prevailed.
We believe that their insistence on not answering the calls was something wrong, and I do not want to say anything more.
Anyway, practically as I said a while ago, they fled from Flitah. As per the area where they used to exist in the Arsal Outskirts, they lost most of it. They have several kilometers squared. I do not wish to give precise figures but they are four, five, or six kilometers, or more or less...That's because no one is surveying the land precisely. Thus you may hear conflicting comments. Still practically they are now in a narrow area. Here we have Wadi Hmayyed and Al Malahi. On the other three sides they respectively have Hezbollah fighting them while still proposing a settlement to them, the Lebanese Army preventing them from entering the camps, Arsal, or the Lebanese towns, and Daesh which refuses to assist them or to receive them unless they humiliate them, because as you know, Nusra considers Daesh dissidents and the dogs of the people of Hell, and their casualties are in Hell and the like.
The first condition Daesh puts to receive Nusra - as there are other conditions - is pledging allegiance to Caliph Baghdadi - which is very humiliating for the Nusra militants. Anyway, they now put themselves in this very difficult position.
The eighth point in the battle developments is that despite the tough and fierce battle which includes shelling, bombing, rockets, fighting, clashes, vehicles, and storming in, the town of Arsal remained safe thanks to the Lebanese Army. Still, even by mistake, no one intended anything (harmful) towards Arsal, yet a battle of this magnitude...everything was made to avoid any such mistake - though any mistake may take place any time. After all, we are talking about a battle, mountains, valleys, rockets, artilleries, missiles, and as it is said a missile may deviate right or left. However, there was much care to avoid any such thing from taking place.
The same applies to the camps. As concerning Arsal, I would like today to assert to you again that at the beginning of the events years ago when Arsal was targeted, never were the residents of Arsal targeted at all.
Some tried to sow sedition among Sunnis, however, all of that was an invalid, oppressive accusation. The proof is the course of events during past years. Hezbollah, Hezbollah fighters, and Hezbollah martyrs don't want for Arsal and the people of Arsal but their welfare, security, integrity, and dignity. God willing as soon as possible and as soon as the very next day after the battle is over, we are ready to hand in all these Lebanese territories which were restored to the command of the Lebanese Army should it demand that and should it be ready to control all the territories and positions.
We do not want to be an authority, and we do not wish to have military influence or presence. Nor do we want to impose ourselves on anyone.
We only wanted to expel these militants for the terrorism, danger, and threat they pose, and consequently, we hope that the Lebanese Army command God willing will assume this responsibility as soon as possible, and here I am announcing that we are ready to hand in all the territories and positions which we entered so that later the dignified residents of Arsal can return to their orchids, crushing plants, stone quarries and outskirts.
I wanted to assert this point and to make assurances. The same applies to the refugee camps. We will not tolerate turning them into targets. No one will approach them. We will not let anyone approach them. Whether we agree or disagree with them on politics, from the human, moral, religious, legal, and all other perspectives, it is not allowed for one to inflict harm on them for whatever reason - even if the reason is the tough conditions of this ferocious battle.
Every day and today in particular, I reported to the brethren that this point must be taken seriously because we fear some may interfere - may Allah forbid - and target the refugees. Consequently, the resistance and the Lebanese Army will be accused and things will drift to evil directions.
The developments of the battle was the third point in the main titles to which we return now.
Fourth, the point now is: what is taking place and where are we heading? In fact, this is the most important question. So far, all what we have talked about is depicting the status quo, at least from our point of view. Now what is taking place and where are we heading?
As per the current status, to achieve the goal - don't forget that we started with the goal which is expelling all the militants from this area which was controlled by Nusra the Front - we are working on two parallel lines: the first line is the battlefield, and the second line is negotiations.
First, we talk about the battlefield. They are still making progress, but I insisted on the brethren to move and proceed in a fully-considered manner and not to make haste; or else, you know military men usually depend on seizing the available opportunities and on the element of zeal. You know that they have enough courage as you have seen the battlefield on TV. So theirs is not like my case - as I am far from the field. However, according to other considerations, I asserted to the brethren to move and advance in a fully-considered manner and to make no haste.
The main reason for that is what I was talking about a while ago. The remaining Nusra leaders, figures, and militants are now surrounded in a very narrow area, and this area is very close to the refugee camps in Wadi Hmayyed and Al Malahi, and they are trying to take shelter in these camps. Consequently, action here should be very precise. The use some weapons we were using before is not allowed, or we may use them with extreme caution because we don't want any misdeed to be done towards the refugees and the civilians. This requires a high degree of responsibility in approaching the battle with much precision and sensitivity and full consideration.
Moreover, we are not in a hurry. We are moving in a fully-considered manner. So far, we - our fighters and leaders in the field - have made a very great military achievement in the field with the least possible or supposed costs.
So the first line is the operation track, and it is still ongoing day and night. It has not stopped. So it is related to the field while taking into consideration the following remark.
Here I would like to draw the attention of media outlets, especially the zealous supporting outlets, not to set a time limit for us. In fact, we did not set a time limit from the very beginning. True, the brethren in the operation room said that the battle is coming to an end. However, that does not mean that you start counting the minutes, hours, and days for us so that we would be cornered. No, we have our time. We must not be in a hurry. The blood of our brethren is very precious to us - all of us. We must also give a chance. This is one of the reasons for us to take our time and to act deliberately. That's because it would be better - should we take our time - to reach a settlement through negotiations which would lead to the expulsion of the militants based on conditions and details.
From the very beginning - not from Friday, today or tomorrow or the day after, we want to ‘eat the grapes - we don't want to kill the watchman'. So there is no need to be in a hurry. Let no one corner us.
O' brethren and dear ones and friends! O' journalists, politicians, and audience! Leave us at our own pace. Let the brethren conduct this battle away from any pressure. That would be a more responsible act, and it would show more care for (the shedding of) blood and for making the best achievement as soon as possible.
Second, moving to the line of negotiations, yesterday serious negotiations started. Before that talks had nothing to do with the land or the field. People were talking while they are in another world. However, I can say now that yesterday serious negotiations started. Indeed, an official Lebanese side is leading the negotiations. It is making contacts via its channel. With us it does not need channels. It is contacting Nusra figures which still remain in the Arsal Outskirts and leading negotiations and discussions with them because after all, there are things which the Lebanese state would agree on, things the Syrian state would agree on, and things which we are concerned to agree upon, because after all we are in the front and in the battlefield. So an official Lebanese side is now leading the negotiations. Things are serious more than any time in the past. I personally for the first time feel that yesterday and today things are becoming serious and progress is noted. However, things are a bit remote from reality. I mean the Nusra Front leadership, whether in the Arsal Outskirts or in Idlib must know that field developments do not grant Nusra the upper hand in the negotiations. Well, this is an important remark based on field facts. Anyway, the opportunity they lost on Friday is still available, though time is limited. That means that we are negotiating and the young men are advancing. Who will reach the goal first? I do not guarantee anything in this perspective. Thus time is not open. The chance is now present should the Nusra Front, whether in the Arsal Outskirts or in Idlib - the seat of their leadership - be really serious. So we are concerned with these leaders, officials, emirs, and fighters. No one will approach their families. We are not concerned with those who killed us, sent us booby-trapped cars, and slaughtered the soldiers of the Lebanese Army, as well as with their womenfolk and children. We are not like the others. However, if they care for their womenfolk and children, the opportunity is still valid but time is limited. Thus they are required to be more serious than what we saw yesterday and this morning and all day long. Indeed, negotiations must continue with the official side. We are not directly concerned with the negotiations.
So this is what is taking place now, and this is what we are heading for. We are heading towards achieving this goal and accomplishing this mission.
So there are now two effective ways. From the very beginning there were two ways: the field, and negotiations to reach a settlement. However, they closed the other way. Meanwhile both ways are operative, and we are trying to take them both into consideration with the hope of reaching the required outcome.
Brothers and sisters! O' Lebanese and everyone who is listening in the Arab and Islamic world, and everyone who is concerned with what is taking place here in our country because it reflects on our country and on all the countries and peoples of the region! I would like to tell you briefly that we are before a great and accomplished victory, which will be completed God willing. So we still have these last steps. The track will be completed God willing, and Allah will bestow victory on us God willing, whether through the field or through negotiations. Then all these territories will be restored to their owners, who will go back to their orchids, crushers, stone quarries, and outskirts. Then all people will enjoy security from Hermel to Baalbek, Brital, Nabi Sheeth, Zahle, and all the Lebanese territories, as these outskirts were the base for the terrorists, suicide bombers, and suicide belts. As such the military era for the Nusra Front in Lebanon will be closed forever. I am specifying the military aspect because after all they are an organization called: al-Qaeda in the Levant.
In fact, the security threat will remain valid, and no one can deny that. They tried to remain active via the airport. They tried to send people from other countries such as from Yemen and the Gulf as you have seen in the media. So I am saying that the military era will be wrapped up forever God willing. Our fighters, wounded, and the families of our martyrs present this achieved and accomplished victory - whose completion we are awaiting - to all the Lebanese as usual. This is how we act since 2000 to 2006. We present this victory to all the Lebanese and to all the peoples of the region which suffered and are suffering from Takfiri terrorism and brutality all over our region. We present this victory to Christians with all their sects and to Muslims with all their sects and factions. Allow me to tell and remind you that the Muslims who suffered most from this Takfiri terrorism and its foolishness and brutal massacres are our Sunni brethren, whether in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan or Pakistan.
Terrorists used to burst into a mosque crowded with believers. The imam would be Sunni as well as the believers. They would detonate themselves, and a hundred believers would be martyred and hundreds others would be wounded. In some places there would be 200 or 300 martyrs. That happened many a time in Pakistan and India because there are usually massive crowds in mosques or in religious ceremonies and the like.
Anyway, we believe that we are performing our duty in this battle against terrorism. We do not expect thanks from anyone or appreciation from anyone. Should we be whipped, we will have no problem. We will consider that for the sake of Allah. We are content that we are performing our duty before our God, our nation, and our people who deserve all of these sacrifices.
Fifth, what will happen after the Nusra Front file is wrapped up? This question is valid. As for the rest of the outskirts - because there remain the rest of the Arsal Outskirts, Ras Baalbek, Qaa, and the remaining area - I will leave tackling this point until we are through with the Nusra Front God willing.
Sixth, we must highlight the high and vast level of support this rightful battle received from politicians, religious figures, parties, official and non-official personalities, media outlets, media, intellectual, social, and technical elites. We appreciate the support on the popular and massive level as well as the various means of expression which we witnessed on social communication outlets, blood donation, and the other forms of support: statements, stances, declarations, tours, and visits to the tombs of martyrs.
Anyway, we thank and highly regard all those who backed and supported with a spoken word, a written word, supplication, a head nod, smile, or contented heart. We thank them without any exception.
Finally, I have an address to all those who are offering sacrifices. Now you have to let me express my feelings. In the July War, I could compose myself somehow. Today, I worked hard to compose myself before delivering my speech. Though I say everything from my heart, now I am talking about another type of emotions. My address is to all those who offered sacrifices; to the martyrs, their souls and their families, to the injured and their families, and to the resistance fighters in this field and all the fields of resistance, combat, sacrifice and altruism. I do not address only those who are now in the Arsal Outskirts. This speech is dedicated to all resistance fighters in all squares and fields.
In my search to write a speech for everyone, I remembered that when we visit our Imams and the Prophet's Household (Peace be upon them), we reach a section where we say "May my father and mother and myself be sacrificed for you. How do I describe the beauty of your praise and count the favors with which you meet affliction? By virtue of you, Allah saved us from humiliation, set us free from the agony of distress, and rescued us from the verge of devastation." This speech is dedicated to the martyrs, the injured, the fighters, and the resistance men. It addresses every father, mother, wife and dear one of those mentioned. You are the successors of these Imams, their beloved ones and the followers of their path. In each woman and lady among you lives the soul of Zainab (peace be upon her) who said after Karbala "I see nothing but beauty".
In your men, we find the altruism of al-Abbas who refused to drink water and said on the bank of the Euphrates: ‘Oh my soul, life after al-Hussain is shear degradation,. Therefore, don't live after him to see this degradation'. In you, we find the soul of Abi Abdullah al-Hussein (Peace be upon him) who was totally besieged and was put before two choices, war or humiliation. He then said his eternal words for history that will remain until the Day of Judgment: "Humiliation! How remote!"
Because you are who you are, allow me to tell you: may my father and mother and myself be sacrificed for you. How do I describe the beauty of your praise? We're speechless when it comes to praising you. How would we praise you? Which words would we choose? What sentences, rhetoric, verses, or prose could count or describe who you are, and you are the noble, the kind, and the generous? You never once failed to offer your blood, your children, or your money. You showed all kinds of patience, steadfastness, and support. How can I count the favors with which you meet affliction? You met all kinds of afflictions since the very beginning. We've been together for at least forty years now. This is the experience of Hezbollah. You overcame the afflictions you met and successfully passed all the difficulties. As we address our Imams we address you. By virtue of you, Allah saved us from humiliation. By virtue of your blood, sacrifices, martyrs, wounded, tears, patience, steadfastness, altruism, bravery, and courage, Allah saved us from humiliation. By virtue of the resistance, Allah saved us from the humiliation of occupation, disgrace, weakness, fear, defeat, contempt, and all kinds of humiliation.
By virtue of you, Allah set us free from the agony of distress. You, your children, and your knights set us free from the agony of distress and lifted the agony away from this people which was threatened with occupation, and whose nation and land were about to be lost. This people was threatened with Takfirism, distress, worry, humiliation, killing, slaughter, and captivity. These are among the gravest causes of distress and worry. However, by virtue of you, Allah set us free from the agony of distress and rescued us from the verge of devastation. As such, our people came to enjoy security along this land, along the borders, in all villages, and in all towns.
Our people came to enjoy security, assurance, honor, dignity, and confidence. Our people came to be able to confront all hardships, challenges, and risks. They don't fear any kind of threat. They don't fear Trump, Obama, Bush, Netanyahu, Sharon, and Weizmann, or anyone else. By virtue of you only, this was achieved.
May God reward you abundantly in the Hereafter, O' noble men, for the sacrifices you offer, on behalf of your people, your homeland, and your nation. May God protect you and grant you victory in this life. May God brighten your faces in this life and in the Hereafter! May Allah accept your deeds. May you God willing achieve more victories, pride, security, and safety with the cooperation, unity, and shouldering of responsibility by all.
Again, many thanks and all appreciation goes to all those who supported, backed, and prayed for the blessing of our men. Peace be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessings.
Source: Hezbollah Media Relations, Translated by website team
