The war in Syria is a war on Syria, and whoever prevails in what already has become a regional and international conflict will have the upper hand in the region. For two years, battles were fought all around the war-torn country, but none was as decisive as the battle fought today in Qusair, none was under spotlight as it is, and none witnessed overt involvement of foreign fighters as it was openly declared here.

It’s obvious that the Syrian army is fighting the free Syrian Army in the town located just few kilometers from the Lebanese border. But it’s also obvious that the real battle is taking place between al-Qaeda-affiliated fighters on one side, and Lebanese Hezbollah on the other.

They are both known to be masters of urban warfare: It’s what they are trained mainly to do, and most of the experience both groups gained in fighting was from similar wars. But this time there is something different for at least one side. Hezbollah is for the first time taking the attacking side, and attempting to occupy the city after controlling most of its countryside. Here, many believe it’s time for military experts to observe the tactics that might be adopted in such an offensive.

When the battle started on Sunday, May 19, it was reported that Hezbollah lost more than 30 of its fighters on the very first day, while the rebels lost around 150. According to opposition sources, the Lebanese group was faced with booby traps and snipers who were placed in different locations. “One of our objectives was taking their fighters alive as POWs; we succeeded in seizing many corpses of their fighters,” said Hussein, a fighter from Qusair who spoke to Al-Monitor. Hussein’s father was killed two months ago when the regime’s army attacked their neighborhood. He said, “I saw my father getting killed in front of my eyes, I’m here for his blood and the blood of many others who were killed.”