Lebanon plans to retaliate against Syrian gunfire following violent border clashes that resulted in the deaths of soldiers. President Aoun has ordered military action while seeking diplomatic solutions. Both nations are working to ease tensions as international support is sought to bolster Lebanon’s military capabilities.
Lebanon has announced plans to retaliate against gunfire originating from Syria after violent clashes erupted along the border. President Joseph Aoun ordered military action in response to accusations that Hezbollah militants abducted and killed three Syrian soldiers on Lebanese soil, escalating tensions in the region. The confrontations mark the most significant border violence since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in December.
The Syrian government accused Hezbollah of crossing into Syrian territory and claimed that their forces shelled Hezbollah positions, resulting in casualties. Lebanon’s Information Minister, Paul Morkos, stated that the three deceased were smugglers, with one child killed and several others injured on the Lebanese side. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, five Syrian soldiers lost their lives in the clashes, compelling families to flee to the Lebanese town of Hermel.
Intensified fighting was reported near Hermel, with President Aoun emphasizing that the situation was intolerable. He instructed the Lebanese army to respond to the source of the fire and requested the foreign minister to engage with Syrian officials to mitigate the conflict. Notably, violence has surged amid tensions between the Syrian military and armed Lebanese Shiite clans, which align with the Assad administration.
Communication lines between the Lebanese and Syrian armies are reportedly open, aimed at reducing hostilities, as Lebanese troops have bolstered their presence in the affected areas. Reports indicate minor skirmishes continued, including an artillery shell hitting Syrian journalists on the border, leading to accusations against Hezbollah. A prominent Hezbollah legislator claimed Syrian fighters invaded Lebanese territories to attack border villages.
Lebanon is also seeking international assistance to enhance its military capacity as it strengthens defenses along its borders with Syria and Israel. U.N. envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert has cautioned the Security Council that ongoing Israeli military actions in Lebanese territory could provoke serious consequences.
In summary, Lebanon’s military response to gunfire from Syria highlights escalating tensions along their border amid accusations against Hezbollah and violent clashes. Both nations have initiated communication to de-escalate, while Lebanon seeks international support for military reinforcement. The situation remains precarious as local conflicts and military actions continue to affect affected populations, emphasizing the broader regional implications of these confrontations.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
