The Lebanese border town Housh Al-Sayyid Ali faced gunfire from Syria during a funeral. This incident follows escalating tensions after accusations against Hezbollah concerning the deaths of three individuals. Lebanese and Syrian defense ministers brokered a ceasefire, with subsequent reinforcement by the Lebanese army. Hezbollah’s leaders claim external forces are destabilizing the area.
On Thursday, as reported by Lebanese media, the border town of Housh Al-Sayyid Ali was struck by gunfire and shelling originating from the Al-Qusayr countryside in Syria. This incident occurred during a funeral for a local resident, with no details yet available regarding casualties or property damage.
The conflict escalated on Sunday, initially triggered by the deaths of three individuals identified by Syria’s Ministry of Defense as soldiers, with accusations placed upon Hezbollah for their execution. Hezbollah has denied these accusations, while Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa claims that the deceased were actually Syrian smugglers, whose bodies have been returned to the Syrian authorities. He emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation to avert future security incidents.
In the wake of a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Syria, which followed a conversation between Menassa and Syrian Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra, the Lebanese army moved into Housh Al-Sayyid Ali on Wednesday. They cleared remnants from previous clashes and strengthened military positions in the region.
Hezbollah MP Hussein Al-Hajj Hassan commended the Lebanese army’s reinforcement in the region, urging local communities to back their efforts. He reiterated Hezbollah’s commitment to the “Army, People, Resistance” doctrine, and alleged that external forces are trying to destabilize the area, citing “foreign intelligence activities and American influence” as contributors to the rising tensions.
The recent armed conflicts in Housh Al-Sayyid Ali raise concerns over regional stability amid ceasefire attempts between Lebanon and Syria. The Lebanese army’s deployment, prompted by a ceasefire agreement, aims to restore order. Hezbollah’s leadership warns of external destabilizing efforts, highlighting the complexity of geopolitical influences at play in the region.
Original Source: shafaq.com
