Lebanese Army Strengthens Border Security Amid Rising Tensions with Syria

The Lebanese army has deployed to Hawsh Al-Sayyid Ali to secure the eastern border amid escalating conflicts with Syrian armed factions. This development followed deadly clashes initiated by smuggling disputes, leading to widespread casualties and property damage. Coordinated efforts between Lebanese and Syrian authorities aim to stabilize the situation and return displaced families to their homes.

The Lebanese army successfully deployed to Hawsh Al-Sayyid Ali on the eastern border with Syria amidst escalating tensions that began from disputes among smugglers. The town is split between Lebanese and Syrian territories, with recent conflicts leading to significant losses, including the death of seven Lebanese citizens and injuries to 52 others. This volatility arose following the killing of three Syrian gunmen, heightening confrontations between local tribes and Syrian armed groups.

In light of these tensions, a reinforced Lebanese army convoy finally arrived at the regional border after several hours of negotiation related to deployment areas. Despite facing initial protests concerning the confiscation of local clans’ weapons, order was restored allowing the army to continue its operations, including the imposition of security measures designed to ensure stability in the border area.

The Lebanese army has undertaken concrete actions to close illegal crossings along the border, notably at various identified locations to prevent smuggling and unauthorized infiltration. President Joseph Aoun emphasized the need for securing the border zones, directly overseeing the army’s response to the situation and advocating for the consolidation of the ceasefire agreement established through diplomatic channels with Syrian officials.

Following the commencement of military operations, reports surfaced that Syrian forces seized equipment from a Hezbollah operations room in the area, revealing large caches of weapons and drugs. Consequently, displaced families from Hawsh Al-Sayyid Ali have begun returning home as the situation stabilizes, with Hezbollah denying any involvement in the recent border clashes.

Recent developments along the eastern Lebanese-Syrian border have highlighted the complexities arising from local conflicts and illegal crossings, prompting a robust response from the Lebanese army. The initiative to reinforce border security, close illegal access points, and negotiate ceasefire agreements reflects Lebanon’s commitment to stabilizing the region. The cooperation between Lebanese and Syrian authorities post-conflict marks a pivotal effort towards establishing peace and restoring the affected communities’ normalcy.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com