Lebanon Responds to Cross-Border Conflict with Syria: Military Retaliation Ordered

Lebanon’s President orders military retaliation against Syrian gunfire after Hezbollah’s alleged actions led to border clashes. Recent violence resulted in casualties on both sides, prompting Lebanon to strengthen its military presence and seek international support. The Lebanese government aims to resolve tensions through dialogue while addressing security concerns along its borders with Syria and Israel.

On Monday, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun ordered military retaliation against Syrian gunfire following recent violent incidents along the border. This escalation emerged after the Syrian interim government claimed that Lebanese Hezbollah militants crossed into Syria, abducted three soldiers, and subsequently killed them on Lebanese territory. This marks the most significant cross-border conflict since the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in December.

Reports from Syrian news sources indicated that the Syrian army retaliated by shelling Hezbollah positions, resulting in casualties. Hezbollah, however, denied their involvement in these allegations. Information Minister Paul Morkos disclosed during a Cabinet meeting that those killed were merely smugglers, while also reporting the loss of a child and injuries to six Lebanese.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported five Syrian soldiers died amid the clashes on Monday. Footage circulating on social media depicted families fleeing toward the Lebanese town of Hermel, where fighting intensified later that evening. President Aoun expressed a firm stance against ongoing border tensions, asserting that Lebanon will not accept continued violence and instructed the army to act against the source of fire.

In parallel, President Aoun has tasked Lebanon’s foreign minister—currently attending a donors conference in Brussels—with the urgent need to contact Syrian officials for conflict resolution and escalation prevention. The recent uptick in violence appears to involve clashes between the Syrian military and Lebanese Shiite clans affiliated with the Assad regime, particularly in the Al-Qasr border area.

Reportedly, both Lebanese and Syrian military officials have established communication channels aimed at de-escalating tensions. Additionally, Lebanon has retrieved the bodies of the three deceased Syrian soldiers. Multiple reports indicated a resurgence of low-level fighting following an assault on a Syrian military vehicle, with unclear casualties.

On Monday, four Syrian journalists stationed with the Syrian army were injured when a shell from Lebanon struck their vicinity. They attributed blame for the incident to Hezbollah. Furthermore, Hussein Haj Hassan, a senior legislator from Hezbollah, accused Syrian border fighters of entering Lebanese territory and attacking villages within the region. In response to these challenges, Lebanon is actively seeking international assistance to enhance military funding while deploying additional troops along its extensive borders with Syria and Israel.

The ongoing cross-border conflict between Lebanon and Syria highlights escalating tensions following an incident involving Hezbollah and Syrian soldiers. Lebanon’s government is preparing to respond militarily while also pursuing diplomatic solutions to prevent further violence. This situation underscores the fragility of security in the region, as Lebanon seeks increased international support to bolster its military presence. The communities along the border remain on high alert amid fears of continued clashes and instability.

Original Source: www.stltoday.com