Lebanon and Syria agreed to a ceasefire following deadly cross-border clashes that resulted in ten fatalities and numerous injuries. Defence Ministers from both nations committed to enhancing military communications to prevent future violence. Diplomatic discussions continue to address the ongoing tensions stemming from the recent upheaval in Syria after Islamist rebels overthrew Bashar al-Assad.
Lebanon’s Defence Minister, Michel Menassa, and his Syrian counterpart, Murhaf Abu Qasra, reached an agreement on a ceasefire following two days of violent cross-border clashes that resulted in the deaths of ten individuals. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that 52 individuals were wounded on the Lebanese side of the border.
In a move towards de-escalation, the two ministers agreed to facilitate ongoing communication between the army intelligence directorates of both nations to avert further tensions at the border. The mountainous area has been a point of conflict over the last three months since Islamist rebels overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which maintains strong ties with Iran and Hezbollah.
Additionally, Lebanon’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Youssef Raji, conferred with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani in Brussels to address the recent border incidents. They agree to continue maintaining communication to navigate cross-border issues effectively, as reported by the Lebanese state news agency, NNA.
In conclusion, a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Syria comes in response to deadly clashes exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Syria. Both countries aim to prevent future violence through ongoing military communication. These developments underscore the volatile situation at the mountainous border, reflecting the geopolitical tensions following the regime change in Syria.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
