What I wish to talk about in the few minutes left to me regards the latest developments, namely the situation in the Qalamoun and the jurd of Ersal. Of course, in recent days, major victories have occurred in the Qalamoun, and especially with the victories achieved this morning, I can now say that the high peaks and lofty mountains (some say the dominating mountains) have all fallen under the control of the Syrian Arab Army and the Mujahideen of the Resistance (Hezbollah). [Public: “Salutations be upon the Prophet (saas) and his family.”] They now have the required control – via firepower, sufficient to militarily dominate the rest of jurds of this region. In the jurd of Ersal, during these last days, this great progress was achieved, and a total and humiliating defeat was inflicted on the Al-Nusra Front [affiliated with Al Qaeda].

Now there is some people in Lebanon trying to help the Al-Nusra Front psychologically, morally, in terms of media, they support them, but it’s too late, their defeat is clear and things will continue to move in this direction.

The major development is the beginning of the battle and confrontation against Daesh (Islamic State). And it’s no problem that they were the ones who opened the fight. For in our case (maybe some people give this value from a military perspective), for psychological, moral and religious reasons, a group that attacks us first and is the aggressor is for us preferable to it being we who started the aggression. Religious scholars, especially the clerics and those who follow the law and cultural issues are aware of it.

In any case, yesterday, they attacked with hundreds of fighters and a large number of military vehicles several bases of our brothers in the Jurd Ras Baalbeck along the Lebanese-Syrian border. That is to say, they did not attack the vicinity of Ersal and Qalamoun where the front is open. Perhaps they assumed that this quiet front was asleep, and that they could take advantage of the surprise factor and negligence (of Hezbollah) and get a great moral victory and occupy our positions, take control and therefore control strategic and very sensitive points on the border between Lebanon and Syria, especially the towns of Ras Baalbeck and Qaa. Similarly, they hoped to expand in the region and reunite certain areas under their control.

Yesterday’s attack had several objectives, whether on the psychological, moral, media, or military level, as well as the reality and presence on the ground. The brothers of the Resistance have faced up with courage and heroism, they killed dozens of armed fighters (it’s not my responsibility to give the exact figures, let the media talk of it), dozens of Daesh fighters fell, were killed and wounded, a number of their vehicles were destroyed, and they fled humiliated and defeated, abandoning many of their dead on the battlefield.

Naturally, the resistance (Hezbollah), which fights in the most violent battles, saw a number of its Mujahideen fall as martyrs with honour in this battle we have won, and we ask God, Glorified and Exalted, to accept them and grant their families patience and solace and make for their families and for us honour, pride and glory in this world and in the hereafter.

Here is what I want to say about it: the battle against Daesh in Qalamoun has started, as well as in the Eastern (mountain) range, on the border between Lebanon and Syria. They are the ones who attacked us and initiated the battle, and there is no problem with that, but we will continue this battle. We have the absolute determination to end this evil terrorist takfiri presence at our border, whatever should be the price and sacrifice. As for us, this is an irrevocable decision.

Whatever the violence of the battles, the extent of the sacrifices, propaganda and the collusion of the media, the pressures here and there, all the statements, what I am saying is not new, but as confirmation for each day, and with every martyr who was elevated to the Kingdom of God, Glorified and Exalted be He, we confirm our determination, our determination, our firm and decisive will not to tolerate after that day the presence of any terrorist or takfiri at our borders, in our mountains or in the smallest part of our villages. And I guarantee you, I guarantee with certainty that they will suffer a crushing defeat. They will be vanquished and defeated. It is only a matter of time. And as I have said on more than one occasion, we’re in no hurry. We act with the composure necessary to achieve this goal and purpose.

When one of us (or some of us) have the will, determination and resolution, and the ability, faith and trust, as well as such heroic mujahedeen (Hezbollah fighters), so with certitude, we shall not consider but the inevitable horizon of the next victory.

Congratulations and greetings, and peace and mercy of God be upon you and His blessings.

[Audience: “At Thy service, O Nasrallah!”]