Lebanon’s President ordered military retaliation against gunfire from Syria after deadly cross-border clashes attributed to Hezbollah. Syria accused Hezbollah of kidnappings and killings, prompting intense military responses. As violence escalates, Lebanon seeks international support to reinforce border security amid ongoing tensions.
On Monday, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun ordered military retaliation against gunfire from Syria following severe clashes along the border. This escalation follows accusations from Syria’s interim government against Lebanon’s Hezbollah group for abducting and killing three Syrian soldiers on Lebanese territory. The conflict marks the most intense border fighting since the depose of former Syrian President Bashar Assad.
Reports indicate that the Syrian army shelled alleged Hezbollah positions, claiming to target groups linked to the deaths of Syrian soldiers. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has denied any involvement in these incidents. Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morkos mentioned during a Cabinet meeting that the deceased were reportedly smugglers, noting that one child was also killed and six others wounded in Lebanon.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that five Syrian soldiers died in the recent confrontations. As violence continued to unfold near Hermel, Lebanon’s President declared, “What is happening along the eastern and northeastern border cannot continue and we will not accept that it continues.” He commanded the military to respond to the source of fire and requested diplomatic intervention from Lebanon’s foreign minister in Brussels.
Tensions have escalated between the Syrian military and armed Lebanese clans loyal to the previous Assad government. The recent abductions attributed to these clans triggered the latest hostilities. Both Lebanese and Syrian armies are reportedly communicating to mitigate tensions, with Lebanon stating that the dead bodies of the three Syrian soldiers have been returned.
Amid ongoing skirmishes, a crowd of Lebanese troops has been deployed to the border region. Reports of low-level fighting emerged after an attack on a Syrian army vehicle was noted earlier. Additionally, four Syrian journalists embedded with the army sustained minor injuries from a shelling incident, allegedly attributed to Hezbollah.
Lebanon is actively pursuing international assistance to bolster its military presence along its borders with Syria and Israel amid these escalating tensions.
The ongoing situation along the Lebanon-Syria border reflects rising hostilities following recent abductions attributed to Hezbollah. With Lebanon’s government responding militarily, both nations seek communication channels to de-escalate tensions. The conflict emphasizes Lebanon’s need for international support to secure its borders amid persistent violence due to historical affiliations with Syrian military operatives.
Original Source: www.stripes.com
