A ceasefire between Lebanon and Syria has been established after two days of border clashes that resulted in seven Lebanese deaths and numerous injuries. Reports of Hezbollah’s involvement were denied amidst accusations of local clan smuggling activities. President Aoun emphasized retaliatory measures and dialogue to prevent escalation. Both nations are enhancing military cooperation and addressing security on their borders amidst ongoing Israeli strikes in the region.
Lebanon and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire following two days of violent clashes along their border, as confirmed by Syria’s state-run SANA news agency. The agreement, reached late on Monday by defense officials, includes provisions for enhanced coordination and cooperation between both nations. This ceasefire comes after seven Lebanese nationals were killed and 52 others injured, with the fighting exacerbated by accusations from Syria’s interim government that militants from Hezbollah had crossed into Syria, leading to the deaths of three soldiers. Hezbollah has denied these accusations, attributing the violence to local clans in the border region known for smuggling activities.
The recent clashes are the most severe since the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar Assad. Reports indicated that the Syrian army engaged in shelling Hezbollah-accessed areas that resulted in Israeli soldier fatalities. Information Minister Paul Morkos clarified that those killed were reported to be smugglers. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, five Syrian soldiers were also confirmed dead during the clash. Videos of families fleeing towards the Lebanese town of Hermel circulated widely, highlighting the intensity of the conflict.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized that the ongoing violence was unacceptable and instructed the Lebanese army to retaliate against the attacks. He also directed the foreign minister to consult with Syrian officials to prevent further escalation. Tensions in the border area have surged between the Syrian military and Lebanese clans allied with Assad’s former regime, leading to increased military presence from Lebanon. Some reports indicate that armed Lebanese Shiite clans were implicated in the abductions that provoked the clashes,
Communication channels between the Lebanese and Syrian armies have been opened to mitigate tensions, with Lebanon reportedly returning the bodies of the three dead Syrians. Despite an increase in military deployments, low-level skirmishes continued to erupt, including an incident involving Syrian journalists who were injured after artillery fire from Lebanon. Hezbollah legislator Hussein Haj Hassan accused Syrian fighters of crossing into Lebanon and attacking border villages, escalating fears of continued conflict in the area.
On another front, Lebanon is attempting to secure international support to enhance military funding for operations along its borders. The U.N. envoy to Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, raised concerns about the potential repercussions of Israeli military actions in the region, warning that ongoing Israeli strikes in southern Syria pose serious threats. Reports indicated that Israeli airstrikes targeted military sites, leading to fatalities and injuries among Syrian civilians, including children and civil defense volunteers.
The ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Syria aims to halt escalating violence along their shared border, following significant casualties on both sides. Increased military cooperation and communication are essential to de-escalate tensions and ensure regional stability. As both nations navigate this volatile situation, they face challenges from internal factions and external threats, particularly concerning potential Israeli military actions in the surrounding areas. Immediate efforts for international support are imperative for Lebanon to bolster its military capabilities and address ongoing security concerns.
Original Source: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
