Hezbollah is one of the most powerful non-state armed groups in the Middle East, and it has close ties to Iran. Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party based in Lebanon but also active in Syria, Iraq and other countries in the region.
Hezbollah was founded in 1982 in response to the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon and it has since become the most powerful political force in the country. The group takes its name from the Arabic word for “party of God” and is led by Hassan Nasrallah, a high-profile figure in the region.
The group’s activities include military and guerrilla warfare, as well as political and social service provision. It is active in various conflicts, including the ongoing civil war in Syria and the fight against Islamic State militants in Iraq. Hezbollah has also been involved in a number of conflicts with Israel since the 1980s.
Hezbollah is closely linked to Iran and receives substantial amounts of aid from the country. This includes financial assistance, equipment, training, and operational support. This has enabled the group to build up a formidable arsenal of weapons, much of which is of Iranian origin.
Hezbollah has built up a reputation for being a powerful and disciplined fighting force and it is estimated to have several thousand fighters. The group is widely credited with helping to defeat Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.
Despite its close ties to Iran, Hezbollah is also active in Lebanon’s domestic politics and provides important social services to its constituents. These activities have helped the group to maintain widespread support among the local population, despite its involvement in regional conflicts.
Hezbollah is a powerful force in the region and its activities have significant implications for the security of both Israel and the wider Middle East. Despite its military capabilities, the group’s social and political activities within Lebanon suggest that it is also a potent political force. Hezbollah’s activities will continue to shape events in the region for some time to come.