Hezbollah is reportedly establishing a presence on Syrian soil, identified as the “Islamic Resistance Front in Syria – Pioneers of Might” (“Jabhat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya – Awliya al-Bas”). The group is represented by an individual identifying himself as “Abu Jihad Rida.” Does the name sound familiar? In November 2024, Israel eliminated a senior Hezbollah commander named “Abu Ali Rida,” which may suggest a connection or inspiration.
The Islamic Resistance Front in Syria was established on December 17, 2024, initially as a front for the liberation of southern Syria, with the stated goal of protecting the Syrian people and expelling Israeli forces from Syrian territory following the fall of the Assad regime and ongoing Israeli operations.
The group announced its formation on Telegram, emphasizing its grassroots nature and lack of affiliation with any state, sect, or political party, whether inside or outside Syria. The recruitment call in a video, featuring the Hezbollah resistance symbol in the background, comes amid heightened tensions and military activities in the region, particularly involving Israeli forces in southern Syria.
This is not the first time Hezbollah has attempted to establish a presence in Syria. The most well-known effort is the “Golan Front,” which the organization set up with local assistance and was operated by Musa Ali Daqdouq. On November 10, 2024, the Israeli Air Force struck Damascus and eliminated Musa Daqdouq, also known by the alias “Abu Hussein Sajed.”