The Lebanese army engaged in clashes with Syrian forces on the eastern border, following allegations from the Syrian government against Hezbollah. Conflicting accounts describe the events where three Syrian soldiers were allegedly killed by local tribes. The Lebanese military has since increased troop presence and expressed a resolve to respond to ongoing violence, highlighting ongoing tensions between Lebanon and Syria.
The Lebanese army has recently clashed with Syrian forces along the eastern border with Syria, marking a new escalation in tensions that began on Sunday night. This conflict followed accusations from the Syrian government, now led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, against the Lebanese group Hezbollah, alleging their involvement in the kidnapping and murder of three members of Syria’s security forces.
Conflicting narratives regarding the incident emerged from both sides. Hezbollah has firmly denied these accusations, whereas a Lebanese security source indicated that three Syrian soldiers had initially crossed into Lebanese territory, leading to their deaths at the hands of tribal members who were defending their town from perceived threats. In retaliation, Syrian forces shelled Lebanese towns overnight, prompting some residents to evacuate.
In response to the situation, the Lebanese military claimed that it successfully repatriated the bodies of the slain Syrian soldiers and engaged in exchanges of gunfire with Syrian forces from across the border. Subsequently, a significant number of Lebanese troops have been dispatched to the border region.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun publicly condemned the ongoing border violence, stating, “What is happening on the eastern and northeastern borders cannot continue, and we will not accept its continuation.” He has instructed the Lebanese army to return fire towards the source of attacks. Heavy fighting has ensued near the northeastern Lebanese town of Hosh al-Sayyed Ali.
The Lebanon-Syria border has been a site of intermittent clashes since the downfall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who was a staunch ally of Hezbollah. Despite aspirations from both President Aoun and Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Shara to strengthen bilateral relations, the recent hostilities, particularly driven by the new Syrian government’s antagonism toward Hezbollah, reveal enduring obstacles that challenge cooperative efforts between the two nations.
In conclusion, the clashes between the Lebanese army and Syrian forces reflect ongoing tensions at the Lebanon-Syria border, exacerbated by accusations from the Syrian government against Hezbollah. Both nations continue to face significant challenges in fostering stable relations, especially in light of recent armed confrontations and the military’s escalated presence in the region. The situation remains volatile and warrants close observation.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
