Damascus: Iran's ambassador to Damascus has stated that the recent terrorist attacks in Syria by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) are directly connected to the Israeli regime's defeat in Lebanon. The ambassador, Hossein Akbari, emphasized the timing of these attacks, which coincided with the announcement of a ceasefire in southern Lebanon. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Hossein Akbari argued that the ceasefire in southern Lebanon marked a defeat for the Israeli regime and a victory for Hezbollah. He noted that following this development, terrorist groups began their operations in Syria. Akbari highlighted that the advanced equipment used by HTS mercenaries suggests a connection with Western states. The Iranian ambassador further explained that the objective of these attacks is to exact revenge on Syria for its support of the Axis of Resistance and Hezbollah in Lebanon. He added that the United States aims to apply pressure on the Syrian government through its southern governorates. The arrival of new foreign mercenaries, backed by certain states, enabled terrorist groups to launch extensive attacks on Syrian army positions in northwestern, western, and southwestern Aleppo early Wednesday. This military operation by the terrorists against Syrian army positions violated the ceasefire agreement established in 2020. The area falls under the de-escalation agreement, signed with Turkiye's guarantee in Kazakhstan's city of Astana, which includes regions in Idlib, the outskirts of Aleppo, and parts of Hama and Lattakia.