Lebanon’s President Aoun has ordered retaliatory measures against Syrian gunfire after escalating border tensions, particularly concerning Hezbollah’s alleged abductions of Syrian soldiers. Violent clashes have intensified, resulting in casualties on both sides, while diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation.
Tensions between Lebanon and Syria have escalated, prompting Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun to instruct troops to retaliate against gunfire from the Syrian side of the border. This decision follows a significant flare-up of violence attributed to a clash involving armed Lebanese Shiite clans allied with Syria’s ousted President Bashar al-Assad.
The violence erupted after claims by the Syrian interim government that militants from Hezbollah entered Syria, abducted three soldiers, and subsequently killed them on Lebanese territory. This has marked the most severe cross-border conflict since Assad’s removal in December.
A Syrian news source reported artillery strikes by the Syrian army aimed at Hezbollah positions, which allegedly resulted in the deaths of Syrian soldiers. Hezbollah has publicly rejected involvement in this incident. Meanwhile, Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morkos stated that those killed were suspected smugglers, and noted civilian casualties, including a child who died and several others wounded.
Reports indicate that five Syrian soldiers were killed during the latest clashes, with videos showing civilians fleeing the region near the Lebanese town of Hermel. Fighting intensified further on Monday, prompting a response from President Aoun, who asserted that ongoing violence was unacceptable. He also tasked Lebanon’s foreign minister with speaking to Syrian officials to mitigate the situation.
The conflict involves armed Lebanese clans linked to the Assad government, and local media have reported that these groups were behind the abductions that instigated the latest flare of hostilities. Both the Lebanese and Syrian militaries are reportedly engaging in communication efforts to de-escalate tensions, amid a rising deployment of Lebanese forces in the border area.
Several clashes were reported at dawn following an attack on a Syrian military vehicle, and early Monday saw injuries reported among Syrian journalists due to artillery fire from the Lebanese side, which they attribute to Hezbollah. Additionally, a senior Hezbollah figure accused Syrian forces of crossing borders and attacking Lebanese villages, highlighting increased military readiness in northeastern Lebanon.
The situation along the Lebanon-Syria border remains volatile as retaliatory actions and accusations fly between the two nations. President Aoun’s orders for military engagement emphasize Lebanon’s determination to defend its territory, while attempts at diplomatic resolutions are ongoing. The historical alliance between Hezbollah and Syrian military factions complicates the dynamics, indicating potential for further confrontation unless effective communication and understanding can be achieved between both governments.
Original Source: www.france24.com
