Clashes erupted between the Lebanese army and Syrian troops on Lebanon’s northeastern border. Syrian officials accused Hezbollah of violence, while Lebanese sources alleged the death of Syrian soldiers at the hands of a local tribe. Retaliatory shelling from Syria led to Lebanese evacuations. President Aoun condemned the violence and ordered a military response, as talks of improving Lebanon-Syria relations face significant hurdles.
Recent clashes have erupted between the Lebanese army and Syrian troops along the northeastern border of Lebanon, igniting following events that transpired on Sunday night. The Syrian government, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, accuses Lebanon’s Hezbollah of abducting and killing three members of its security forces, prompting varying accounts of the situation from both parties involved.
The Lebanese side claims that three Syrian soldiers crossed into Lebanon, where they were killed by armed tribal members fearing an attack. Hezbollah denies any role in this incident, leading to retaliation from Syrian forces, which shelled Lebanese towns, forcing some residents to evacuate. Amid heightened tensions, the Lebanese military reported that they returned the soldiers’ bodies to Syria and exchanged fire with Syrian forces across the border.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the ongoing violence, stating, “What is happening on the eastern and northeastern borders cannot continue, and we will not accept its continuation.” He directed the Lebanese army to respond to any sources of fire. Heavy fighting has continued near Hosh al-Sayyed Ali in northeastern Lebanon, highlighting long-standing tensions along the border, exacerbated by Syria’s recent political changes.
Despite both Aoun and Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Shara expressing intentions to fortify diplomatic relations, these recent confrontations signify ongoing discord, further complicated by the Syrian government’s hostility toward Hezbollah, a critical ally of Lebanon.
Clashes between the Lebanese army and Syrian forces along the northeastern border have intensified, stemming from accusations of violence involving Hezbollah. The situation reflects deep-rooted tensions exacerbated by the shift in Syrian political leadership and its impact on local dynamics. Continued military engagement and retaliatory actions signify a persistent challenge to regional stability and diplomatic relations between Lebanon and Syria.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
