Gunfire Strikes Lebanese Border Town Amid Syria Ceasefire

The Lebanese town of Housh Al-Sayyid Ali was struck by gunfire from Syria during a funeral. This incident followed clashes ignited by allegations of Hezbollah’s involvement in the deaths of three individuals identified as smugglers. Lebanese authorities urged for cooperation with Syria to enhance security, amidst a ceasefire agreement and military reinforcement in the area.

On Thursday, the Lebanese border town of Housh Al-Sayyid Ali came under gunfire and shelling from the Al-Qusayr countryside in Syria during a resident’s funeral, as reported by local media. Details regarding any casualties or damage from the attack remain undisclosed.

The recent clashes, which began on Sunday, were initiated by the alleged killing of three individuals described by Syria’s Ministry of Defense as soldiers, who were accused by Syria of being executed by Hezbollah—a claim that Hezbollah has denied. Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa clarified that these individuals were actually Syrian smugglers and urged enhanced cooperation between Lebanon and Syria to mitigate such incidents in the future.

Following a ceasefire initiated through a dialogue between Minister Menassa and Syrian Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra, the Lebanese army re-entered Housh Al-Sayyid Ali to eliminate the remnants of the clashes and bolster military presence in the area on Wednesday. This action reflects a commitment to restore security along the border.

In supportive remarks, Hezbollah MP Hussein Al-Hajj Hassan commended the Lebanese army’s actions, encouraging border communities to back their efforts. He reiterated Hezbollah’s dedication to the “Army, People, Resistance” doctrine and cautioned against external influences that threaten regional stability, citing “foreign intelligence activities and American influence” as key tensions contributors.

In summary, the recent attack on Housh Al-Sayyid Ali during a funeral highlights ongoing tensions along the Lebanese-Syrian border. The incidents have prompted calls for cooperation between both countries to prevent further violence. The Lebanese army’s deployment and Hezbollah’s affirmations of support express a determined stance against destabilizing foreign influences in the region.

Original Source: shafaq.com