Lebanon’s President ordered military retaliation after gunfire from Syria as tensions escalate along the border. The violence follows accusations of Hezbollah militants abducting and killing Syrian soldiers. Both nations are communicating to ease tensions, while Lebanon seeks international support for military funding.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has ordered military retaliation following gunfire from the Syrian side of the border, citing a significant rise in cross-border tensions. The violence has intensified due to accusations that Lebanese Hezbollah militants abducted and subsequently killed three Syrian soldiers on Lebanese soil, marking the most severe cross-border conflict since the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December.
According to Syrian state news, the Syrian army conducted shelling aimed at Hezbollah gatherings, claiming these groups were responsible for the fatalities among Syrian soldiers. Hezbollah has denied these allegations. Furthermore, Lebanon’s Information Minister Paul Morkos indicated that the three deceased were identified as smugglers, adding that a child was killed and six others wounded in Lebanon during the recent escalations.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the deaths of five Syrian soldiers amid the clashes. Footage revealing the impact of violence has emerged, particularly highlighting families fleeing towards the Lebanese town of Hermel. Reports indicate a substantial increase in fighting near Hermel, exacerbating an already tense situation along the border.
President Aoun expressed that the ongoing violence along the eastern and northeastern border is intolerable and has instructed the Lebanese army to retaliate. He has also tasked the foreign minister with engaging Syrian officials to avert further conflicts and encourage resolution efforts. The region has seen heightened interactions between the Syrian military and Lebanese Shiite clans loyal to the Assad regime.
To mitigate tensions, both Lebanese and Syrian military officials have established communication channels. Following recent confrontations, Lebanon’s military confirmed the return of the bodies of three Syrian casualties, while also deploying additional troops to the volatile area. Reports indicated low-level fighting after attacks on a Syrian military vehicle, with unclear casualty figures.
Moreover, four Syrian journalists present with the Syrian army sustained minor injuries from an artillery shell fired from the Lebanese side. Accusations directed at Hezbollah were raised regarding this incident. Additionally, Hezbollah legislator Hussein Haj Hassan accused Syrian fighters of crossing into Lebanon and assaulting border villages, particularly in the Baalbek-Hermel province, which has been significantly affected by the ongoing clashes.
Lebanon continues to seek international assistance to bolster military funding in order to strengthen its defenses along the northern and eastern borders with Syria, as well as the southern border with Israel.
In conclusion, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has taken decisive steps in response to escalating violence along its border with Syria, emphasizing military retaliation and diplomatic engagement with Syrian officials. The recent uptick in conflict, primarily involving Hezbollah and Syrian military forces, underscores the precarious security situation in the region. Lebanon’s efforts to secure international support for its military further reflect the urgent need to address the ongoing border tensions and ensure stability.
Original Source: www.france24.com
