Lebanon’s President ordered a military response to Syrian gunfire after deadly border clashes. The conflict began with accusations against Hezbollah for abductions. President Aoun emphasized the seriousness of the situation and sought diplomatic resolution. The fighting led to casualties on both sides, with media reporting increased military presence along the border.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has mandated retaliation against gunfire from Syria following a deadly escalation at the border. The conflict intensified after Syria’s interim government accused Hezbollah militants of crossing into Syrian territory, leading to the abduction and killing of three soldiers on Lebanese soil—marking the most severe clashes since the ousting of former President Bashar Assad in December.
Reports indicate that the Syrian army responded by shelling alleged Hezbollah positions along the border. Hezbollah has denied any involvement in these events. Lebanon’s Information Minister, Paul Morkos, clarified that the three deceased individuals were actually smugglers and that the clashes resulted in the death of a child and injuries to six others on the Lebanese side.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted that Monday’s confrontations led to five Syrian soldier fatalities. As violence escalated, communities began evacuating toward the Lebanese town of Hermel. President Aoun emphasized that ongoing violence is unacceptable, instructing the Lebanese military to take necessary action against the source of threats. He also requested the foreign minister to engage Syrian officials to de-escalate the situation further.
Recent violence in the area has involved Lebanese Shiite clans allied with Assad, particularly around the Al-Qasr border village. Both Lebanese and Syrian military forces have established communication channels aiming to reduce tension. In response to casualties, the Lebanese military reported the return of the bodies of the three killed Syrians and has deployed many troops to the region.
Incidents of low-level skirmishing were reported after dawn, following an attack on a Syrian military vehicle, but casualty statistics remain unclear. Additionally, four Syrian journalists embedded with the Syrian army sustained minor injuries from an artillery shell fired from Lebanon. Furthermore, a Hezbollah legislator accused Syrian fighters of cross-border raids into Lebanese villages as part of the ongoing conflict. Lebanon is actively seeking international aid to enhance military funding while positioning troops along its borders with Syria and Israel.
The escalation of cross-border fighting between Lebanon and Syria, following the reported abduction and murder of soldiers, has prompted a strong military response from Lebanon. President Joseph Aoun’s directive for retaliation underscores Lebanon’s commitment to national security amid heightened tensions. As both nations communicate to avert further hostilities, there is a pressing need for international support for Lebanon’s military efforts along its borders.
Original Source: www.stltoday.com
