Lebanon and Syria Establish Ceasefire Following Cross-Border Violence

Lebanon and Syria’s defence ministers have agreed to a ceasefire after recent clashes resulted in 10 deaths. Ongoing intelligence collaboration aims to prevent further conflict. Additionally, diplomatic discussions in Brussels highlight the importance of continued communication between the countries.

Lebanon’s Defence Minister Michel Menassa and Syrian Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra reached an agreement on a ceasefire, following deadly cross-border clashes that resulted in 10 fatalities over the previous two days. Additionally, 52 individuals sustained injuries on the Lebanese side, according to the health ministry’s reports.

Both ministers also committed to enhancing cooperation between their respective army intelligence directorates to prevent further escalation of tensions along the border region. This area has become increasingly volatile, particularly after Islamist rebels successfully ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad three months ago, leading to the establishment of their own governance structures.

In a separate diplomatic effort, Lebanon’s Foreign Affairs Minister Youssef Raji met with Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shibani in Brussels. During their discussions regarding the evolving situation along the border, both parties emphasized the importance of maintaining ongoing communication to address cross-border matters effectively.

The agreement on a ceasefire between Lebanon and Syria represents a significant step towards reducing violence in a region marked by recent turmoil. The commitment to intelligence collaboration aims to mitigate further conflict, while diplomatic efforts in Brussels underscore the necessity of continued dialogue between the two nations. These developments could pave the way for stability in the border area following three months of heightened tensions.

Original Source: www.scmp.com