Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun ordered military retaliation against gunfire from Syria after significant cross-border clashes, involving Hezbollah and Syrian forces. The situation escalated following the abduction and killing of Syrian soldiers, leading to retaliatory shelling and calls for international assistance. Tensions remain high as violence continues along the borders.
Lebanon’s President, Joseph Aoun, has mandated the military to retaliate against gunfire originating from Syria following a grave escalation of cross-border hostilities. This decision comes after accusations from the Syrian interim government that Hezbollah fighters abducted and killed three Syrian soldiers on Lebanese soil, marking the most significant conflict since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in December.
Recent accounts report that Syrian forces shelled Hezbollah positions, allegedly resulting in Syrian military casualties. In contrast, Hezbollah has refuted claims of involvement in the incident. Information Minister Paul Morkos indicated that the deceased were actually smugglers, with additional collateral damage including a child fatality and numerous injuries on the Lebanese side.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented the deaths of five Syrian soldiers during the clashes. As tensions mounted, families began to flee towards Hermel, Lebanon. In response, President Aoun emphasized the non-acceptance of the ongoing violence and directed a retaliation strategy aimed at the source of the hostilities.
He has also tasked Lebanon’s foreign minister with reaching out to Syrian officials, currently attending a humanitarian conference in Brussels, to mitigate tensions and prevent further escalation. Violence has seen an uptick in recent weeks, particularly among Lebanese Shiite clans tied to the Assad regime, prompting communication channels to be established between Lebanese and Syrian military forces.
While Lebanese military engagements have reportedly been initiated, including the return of the bodies of the deceased Syrians, low-level confrontations persisted, notably involving an attack on a Syrian military vehicle. Additionally, four Syrian journalists were injured by incoming fire from Lebanese territory, attributed to Hezbollah. Senior Hezbollah member, Hussein Haj Hassan, claimed Syrian fighters had infiltrated into Lebanese areas, attacking border villages.
Lebanon is actively pursuing international assistance to bolster military funding for securing its borders. U.N. envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert has raised alarms regarding the potential consequences of Israeli military actions within Lebanon, which may further destabilize the region.
In summary, Lebanon’s recent escalation with Syria underscores the fragile and volatile nature of cross-border relations. President Aoun’s decisive orders reflect the urgency of addressing the ongoing violence sparked by allegations against Hezbollah, while both nations are striving to establish communication to ease tensions. The involvement of international support and oversight may prove pivotal in stabilizing the affected border regions and preventing further conflict.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
