Lebanon’s President Aoun ordered military retaliation against gunfire from Syria following severe cross-border clashes linked to Hezbollah’s alleged actions. President Aoun is also pursuing communication with Syrian officials to deescalate tensions. Furthermore, the situation is complicated by low-level skirmishes and increasing military presence along the border.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has ordered military retaliation against fire from the Syrian border following deadly clashes overnight. The violence erupted after allegations surfaced that Hezbollah militants crossed into Syria, abducted, and executed three Syrian soldiers. This marked the most significant cross-border fighting since the ousting of Bashar Assad in 2011.
Syria’s interim government claimed the Syrian army shelled Hezbollah positions in retaliation for injuries to Syrian soldiers. Hezbollah has denied these claims. According to Lebanon’s Information Minister Paul Morkos, the deceased individuals were smugglers, and Lebanese casualties included a child and several injured.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least five Syrian soldiers were killed in Monday’s confrontations. Families in the border region fled to the Lebanese town of Hermel as violence escalated. President Aoun stated, “What is happening along the eastern and northeastern border cannot continue,” emphasizing the need for decisive action against the source of fire.
Aoun also tasked Lebanon’s foreign minister, currently attending a donors conference in Brussels, with communicating with Syrian officials to avoid further escalation. Tensions have increased in the region with ongoing hostility between the Syrian military and Lebanese Shiite clans aligned with Assad.
Both Lebanese and Syrian military forces have established communication channels to mitigate tensions, while Lebanon has deployed additional troops in the region. Reports indicate minor skirmishes occurred after an attack on a Syrian military vehicle, with an unclear casualty count.
Moreover, four Syrian journalists sustained light injuries when an artillery shell fired from Lebanese territory struck their position. Hezbollah legislator Hussein Haj Hassan accused fighters from the Syrian side of entering Lebanese territory and attacking villages. Lebanon is actively seeking international military funding as it increases troop presence along border areas.
U.N. envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert expressed concerns over the presence of Israeli forces in Lebanon and the potential for serious repercussions from the ongoing strikes.
In summary, Lebanon is responding to escalating tensions and violence along its border with Syria, primarily attributed to the actions of Hezbollah and clashes with the Syrian military. With casualties reported on both sides, President Aoun is taking measures for military retaliation while seeking diplomatic solutions. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing skirmishes and a need for international support to stabiliz…e border security.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
