Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun ordered military retaliation against Syrian gunfire as border tensions heightened due to violent interactions between the Syrian military and Lebanese Shiite clans. The conflict was exacerbated by the abduction and killing of Syrian soldiers by Hezbollah militants. Amid escalating violence, both nations are urged to communicate to prevent further conflict.
On Monday, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun instructed troops to retaliate against gunfire originating from Syria as border tensions escalated. This decision follows increased violence along the frontier, primarily influenced by clashes between the Syrian military and armed Lebanese Shiite clans aligned with the ousted Syrian leader, Bashar al-Assad.
The recent fighting erupted after Syria’s interim government accused militants from Hezbollah of infiltrating Syria, where they allegedly abducted and subsequently killed three soldiers on Lebanese territory. This incident marks the most significant cross-border conflict since Assad’s removal in December.
According to a Syrian News Channel, which referenced an unnamed Defence Ministry official, the Syrian army responded by shelling Hezbollah positions, claiming this resulted in the deaths of Syrian soldiers. However, Hezbollah has denied these accusations, asserting their non-involvement in the conflict.
Lebanon’s Information Minister, Paul Morkos, stated during a Cabinet meeting that the three deceased individuals were identified as smugglers, noting an additional casualty, a child, and six injuries from the Lebanese side. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported five Syrian military deaths during the clashes.
As violence intensified near the town of Hermel, the Lebanese President declared, “What is happening along the eastern and northeastern border cannot continue and we will not accept that it continues.” He also directed Lebanon’s foreign minister to engage Syrian officials in dialogue to prevent further violent escalations.
In light of increasing clashes, channels of communication between the Lebanese and Syrian armies have been established to mitigate tensions. Additionally, large numbers of Lebanese troops have been deployed to the border area, returning the bodies of the deceased Syrian soldiers.
Localized skirmishes were observed following an attack on a Syrian military vehicle, resulting in a number of unclear casualties. On Monday morning, four Syrian journalists acquired minor injuries due to an artillery shell hitting their location, which they attributed to Hezbollah forces.
Hussein Haj Hassan, a senior Hezbollah legislator, accused Syrian fighters of incursion into Lebanese territory and attacking border villages. Lebanon continues to seek international aid to strengthen its military presence along its volatile northern and eastern borders, as well as its southern border with Israel.
In summary, the escalation of border tensions between Lebanon and Syria necessitated a decisive response from Lebanese authorities. President Joseph Aoun’s directive to the military illustrates the seriousness with which Lebanon regards these cross-border confrontations. Both nations appear committed to reducing violence through communication while managing growing hostility within the region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
