Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has ordered military retaliation against Syrian gunfire following deadly cross-border clashes. The conflict arose due to accusations against Hezbollah for kidnapping and killing three Syrian soldiers, causing instability along the border. As tensions escalate, Lebanon aims to strengthen its military presence and seeks international assistance to manage the ongoing violence.
Lebanon has declared that it will retaliate against gunfire originating from Syria following an escalation of violence along the border. President Joseph Aoun issued directives on Monday for military actions against those responsible, as tensions have surged after accusations against Hezbollah for crossing into Syria and executing three soldiers. This incident marks the gravest border clash since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in December.
Accusations arose after three soldiers were allegedly abducted and killed by members of Hezbollah on Lebanese territory. In response, Syrian officials claimed their forces targeted Hezbollah positions, citing causalities among Syrian soldiers, a claim Hezbollah refuted. Additionally, one child was killed, and six individuals were injured on the Lebanese side during the skirmishes.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the deaths of five Syrian soldiers in the recent clash, with footage showing families fleeing towards Lebanon. President Aoun condemned the ongoing violence, stating that such actions along the border are unacceptable and urged Lebanon’s foreign minister to engage with Syrian counterparts to mitigate the situation and prevent further escalation.
Recent violence has involved confrontations between the Syrian military and Lebanese Shiite clans allied with the Assad regime. The Lebanese military has been proactive, facilitating communication with Syrian forces and deploying additional troops to the region. There have been reports of sporadic fighting, and on Monday, four Syrian journalists were lightly injured from an artillery shell fired from Lebanon, which Hezbollah has been implicated in.
Furthermore, senior Hezbollah legislator Hussein Haj Hassan accused Syrian fighters of crossing into Lebanon and attacking border communities. Lebanon continues to pursue international assistance to enhance its military resources as it faces ongoing challenges along its borders with Syria and Israel. UN envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert has cautioned the Security Council regarding the potential consequences of the enduring presence of Israeli military forces in Lebanon.
In summary, Lebanon’s government has taken decisive action to address cross-border hostilities, issuing orders for military retaliation following fatalities attributed to Syrian gunfire. The escalating tensions underscore the precarious situation along the Lebanese-Syrian border, compounded by accusations against Hezbollah and regional violence. Ongoing diplomatic efforts are crucial to avoid further escalation and to stabilize the area, while Lebanon seeks additional international military support.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
