RAS BAALBEK/ARSAL, Lebanon: Snow has melted, weather conditions have improved and clear skies announce the advent of spring. In short, terrain conditions are ripe for the anticipated “spring battle” between the Lebanese Army and Islamist militants from ISIS and Nusra Front who are clustered in the rugged mountains along Lebanon’s northeastern border with Syria. While Syria-based terrorist groups have reportedly been gearing up and preparing for the projected battle, which has so far been hampered by bad weather, the Army conducted a pre-emptive operation last month, seizing strategic hills from ISIS militants in the outskirts of the Christian town of Ras Baalbek.

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