Lebanon has ordered military retaliation against Syria after an uptick in border violence involving Hezbollah militants and Syrian soldiers. President Aoun condemned the ongoing clashes, emphasizing the need to address the situation through military action and diplomatic channels. Lebanon is also seeking international military support to enhance security along its borders as tensions continue to rise.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has ordered military retaliation against Syria following an increase in cross-border clashes. The tensions intensified after allegations arose that Lebanese Hezbollah militants entered Syria, abducting and killing three Syrian soldiers on Lebanese territory. This marks a significant escalation in violence between Syrian military forces and Lebanese Shiite clans linked to the ousted regime of Bashar al-Assad, highlighting the fragile security situation along the Lebanon-Syria border.
Reports indicate that the Syrian army responded by shelling Hezbollah positions on the border, citing their role in the recent violence. Yet, Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the incidents. Simultaneously, information from Lebanon’s government suggests the deceased Syrians were smugglers, complicating the narrative surrounding the cross-border conflict.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at least five Syrian soldiers were killed due to the clashes. Footage from the area shows civilians fleeing toward Lebanon’s Hermel, indicating escalating fears among the population. President Aoun emphasized that continual violence along the eastern border will not be tolerated and ordered the Lebanese army to target the origin of the aggressive fire. He also instructed the foreign minister to engage with Syrian officials to mitigate tensions.
The recent violence occurred amid claims that armed factions, allied with the Assad regime, participated in actions leading to the conflict. Despite ongoing tensions, both the Lebanese and Syrian military have reportedly established communication lines to address the situation. There have been multiple instances of low-level fighting, including an artillery incident that harmed four Syrian journalists, who attributed the attack to Hezbollah.
Amid these developments, Lebanon is actively pursuing international aid to enhance military funding, expanding troop deployments along its borders with Syria and Israel to maintain security and manage the influx of tensions resulting from the ongoing conflict.
In summary, Lebanon’s escalating border tensions with Syria highlight the fragile security situation resulting from recent violent clashes, primarily involving Hezbollah and Syrian forces. President Aoun’s call for military retaliation underscores the government’s commitment to protecting its territory while simultaneously seeking diplomatic solutions. The need for international support to bolster Lebanon’s military capabilities reflects the complexities of the geopolitical landscape in the region and the ongoing risks of further conflict.
Original Source: www.france24.com
