Lebanon Responds to Escalating Tensions with Syria Amid Gunfire Incident

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has ordered military retaliation against Syria following violent cross-border clashes. Accusations against Hezbollah for abducting and killing Syrian soldiers have escalated tensions. Lebanon’s army is on high alert, with a significant troop presence, and communication channels with Syria are being utilized to prevent further conflict.

On Monday, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun ordered military retaliation against gunfire from Syria amid escalating border tensions. This surge in violence has been attributed to clashes between the Syrian military and armed Lebanese Shiite clans supportive of Syria’s former leader, Bashar al-Assad. The recent confrontations are among the most severe since Assad’s ousting in December.

The fighting erupted following accusations from Syria’s interim government that militants associated with the Lebanese Hezbollah had abducted and killed three Syrian soldiers on Lebanese territory. In response, the Syrian army reportedly shelled suspected Hezbollah positions, resulting in casualties on both sides. Lebanon’s Information Minister Paul Morkos stated that the deceased were smugglers, noting also the death of a child and several injuries on the Lebanese side.

Lebanon’s defence minister has indicated that the situation cannot persist. President Aoun, through social media on platform X, emphasized that he has directed the Lebanese army to respond to the source of the fire. He also instructed Lebanon’s foreign minister, attending a donors conference in Brussels, to engage with Syrian officials to mitigate tensions.

Violence has escalated particularly near the town of Hermel, where Lebanese media reported continued low-level skirmishes. The Lebanese and Syrian armies claim to be communicating to ease the situation. Notably, Lebanese forces returned the remains of the three Syrians killed during the conflict. A substantial deployment of Lebanese troops has occurred in the border areas.

Attacks have reportedly involved exchanges of artillery fire, with specific incidents resulting in injuries to Syrian journalists near the Lebanese border. Hezbollah’s Hussein Haj Hassan accused Syrian fighters of aggressive incursions into Lebanese territory, exacerbating existing tensions. In light of these events, Lebanon has sought international support to enhance its military capabilities along its borders with Syria and Israel.

The escalating tensions between Lebanon and Syria, primarily due to violent clashes along the border, have led to military responses from Lebanon. The involvement of Hezbollah and armed Lebanese clans alongside heightened military presence indicates a precarious situation. This ongoing conflict highlights Lebanon’s need for international support to reinforce its military stance amid fears of further border skirmishes.

Original Source: www.france24.com