Hezbollah Chief Naim Qassem has committed to collaborating closely with the Lebanese army to bolster the nation’s defense capabilities amidst the ongoing implementation of a ceasefire with Israel. This marks Qassem’s first public address since the ceasefire took effect on Wednesday, which aims for a mutual withdrawal of both Hezbollah and the Israeli military from southern Lebanon, allowing the Lebanese military to deploy in coordination with United Nations peacekeepers.

In his televised remarks, Qassem emphasized the importance of cooperation, stating, “We will work to… strengthen Lebanon’s defensive capacities.” He succeeded Hassan Nasrallah following the latter’s death in a significant Israeli airstrike in south Beirut in September. Qassem highlighted a strategic partnership between Hezbollah and the Lebanese army, asserting that the “coordination between the resistance and the Lebanese army will be at a high level to implement the commitments of the agreement.” He reassured that there are no expectations of conflicts or disagreements with the army.

Declaring a “great victory” against Israel, Qassem claimed that this achievement surpasses Hezbollah’s previous successes during the 2006 conflict. He claimed they thwarted attempts to eradicate Hezbollah and diminish the resistance’s strength. Qassem further affirmed that Hezbollah’s support for Palestine will persist through various avenues.

The ceasefire concluded a period of hostilities that escalated following Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to a low-intensity exchange of fire as Hezbollah expressed solidarity with their Palestinian counterparts. In response to increasing tensions, Israel intensified its military operations against Hezbollah, which included extensive airstrikes and ground troop deployments.

According to Lebanon’s health ministry, the conflict has resulted in at least 3,961 deaths within the country since October, with the majority occurring in recent weeks. On the Israeli side, the conflict has claimed the lives of at least 82 soldiers and 47 civilians.

Amid these developments, the Israeli military conducted strikes against a Hezbollah rocket launcher detected in southern Lebanon, identifying militant movements in the region. The Israeli military stated, “A short while ago, terrorist activity and movement of a Hezbollah portable rocket launcher were identified in southern Lebanon,” and confirmed the elimination of the threat with an airstrike.

Even with the ceasefire in place, Israel has pledged to continue addressing threats. The Israeli military imposed a nighttime curfew in southern Lebanon for a third consecutive day, strictly prohibiting residents from moving or traveling south of the Litani River during specified hours.

As part of the ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces will maintain their positions initially while the Lebanese military and security personnel begin deploying southward over the upcoming 60-day period. A U.S. official noted that following this period, Israel is expected to commence a phased withdrawal, ensuring no power vacuum arises that could be exploited by Hezbollah or other groups.

The United States has given the green light for the sale of spare parts for fighter jets, radar systems, and communications equipment to Taiwan, with a total estimated value of $385 million, as confirmed by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Friday. This announcement marks another significant step in the US-Taiwan defense relationship, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties between the two entities.

The bulk of the proposed sale consists of F-16 fighter jet components and radar system parts valued at approximately $320 million. The DSCA indicated that these items will come from existing US military stocks, and the deliveries are expected to commence in 2025. In its statement, the DSCA emphasized that this sale serves not only US national and economic interests but also enhances Taiwan’s defensive capabilities as it seeks to modernize its armed forces. The proposed sale aims to bolster the operational readiness of Taiwan’s F-16 fleet, which is critical in addressing both current and future threats.

Additionally, a separate transaction regarding continued support and equipment for a tactical communications system is set for $65 million. These arms deals received approval from the State Department, with the DSCA formally notifying Congress on the same day.

This move comes at a time of escalating tensions in the region, with China firmly asserting its claim over Taiwan and routinely opposing US arms sales to the island. Recently, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te prepared for a diplomatic trip to three Pacific island allies, including planned stopovers in Hawaii and Guam, which underscores the island’s commitment to strengthening its international partnerships.

In response to the approved arms sales, Taiwan’s defense ministry expressed appreciation, stating that the new equipment will significantly enhance the combat readiness of its Air Force, particularly its F-16s, thereby strengthening Taiwan’s air defense capabilities. The foreign ministry noted that this marks the eighteenth occasion during the Biden administration that arms sales to Taiwan have been announced.

Amid increasing military pressure from China, described as “grey zone harassment,” Taiwan remains resolute in augmenting its defensive posture. The island has reported a surge in military activity from China, including near-daily incursions of fighter jets and naval vessels around its territory. In the most recent report, Taiwan’s defense ministry indicated that 18 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels, and two observation balloons were detected in the 24 hours leading up to 6:00 am local time.

This ongoing military presence around Taiwan represents a significant challenge, marking a critical juncture in cross-strait relations as the island continues to solidify its defense strategies in the face of external pressures.

Jihadist factions, along with their Turkish-backed allies, have made significant advances in Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, amid an aggressive campaign against forces loyal to the Iranian- and Russian-backed government. Reports indicate that they have seized control of approximately half of Aleppo as regime forces reportedly retreated.

The offensive commenced on Wednesday, coinciding with the initiation of a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, where tensions had heightened between Israel and the Iran-supported militant group Hezbollah. As clashes erupted, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported a staggering death toll, with 277 casualties confirmed, including 28 civilians primarily due to Russian air strikes.

By Friday, the jihadist fighters had captured more than 50 towns and villages in northern Syria and entered the western districts of Aleppo, which was once a manufacturing hub with a population of about two million before the onset of the civil war. The Observatory’s director, Rami Abdel Rahman, noted that the capture of Aleppo was disturbingly unopposed, stating, “there has been no fighting, not a single shot was fired, as regime forces withdrew.” However, clashes were observed in New Aleppo district.

In a troubling development, state media reported that shelling by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist alliance led by Al-Qaeda’s former branch in Syria, resulted in the deaths of four civilians at a student residence. As concerns escalated, the Syrian army dispatched reinforcements to Aleppo, with a security official confirming that additional troops were arriving. Earlier statements by the military claimed that some positions had been retaken from the attackers.

Simultaneously, the jihadists made further progress in the north, including taking the strategic town of Saraqib, which lies on the crucial route to Aleppo. In response, Syrian and Russian air forces intensified bombardments on rebel-held areas around Idlib, launching 23 strikes targeted at what they describe as “extremist” forces, exacerbating the already precarious situation.

Turkey has voiced concerns over the escalating violence, calling for a halt to the bombardment, with its foreign ministry characterizing the clashes as an “undesirable escalation of tensions.” The region surrounding Idlib has been under a precarious truce brokered by Turkey and Russia since 2020, though recent hostilities threaten its stability.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported the displacement of more than 14,000 individuals due to the ongoing violence, nearly half of whom are children. Local residents expressed their fears of further displacement, with one individual, Sarmad, citing the constant sounds of missile strikes and shelling. Another resident, Nasser Hamdo, worried that blocked roads could lead to soaring fuel prices and restrict the flow of goods into the city.

Internationally, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned the recent developments in Aleppo, labeling them an infringement on Syria’s sovereignty, while affirming support for the Syrian government in restoring order. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi communicated his country’s unwavering support for the Syrian government in discussions with his Syrian counterpart.

As images emerged of abandoned military equipment in the area, reports indicated that the jihadists were operating under a unified command with their Turkish allies. Analysts suggest that these groups are attempting to preempt any potential military response from the Syrian government, which, alongside Russian support, appears to have been caught off guard by the recent offensive.

The situation is further complicated by the presence of Iranian-backed militias in the Aleppo region, which have historically supported the Syrian government. Analysts contend that anti-government forces currently demonstrate better preparedness and capability to capture villages than the Russian-backed Syrian forces, indicating a shift in the balance of power.

As the chaotic situation unfolds, the Assad regime faces growing challenges while navigating a landscape in which it seems increasingly “totally unprepared” for the latest aggressive campaigns against it.