The Lebanese army has effectively regained control of the border town of Hawsh al-Sayyid Ali, leading to decreased tensions with the Syrian army. Key operations included negotiations that confirmed territorial boundaries and clearance of hazardous remnants. Although locals can return to Lebanese properties, access to Syrian-held areas remains barred due to recent hostilities. The army has closed illegal crossings to thwart smuggling, emphasizing the control reestablishment in the region.
Tensions along the Lebanon-Syria border have diminished following the Lebanese army’s successful reintegration of Hawsh al-Sayyid Ali. The military employed strategic deployment of special units while engaging local factions to facilitate a smooth negotiation process with the Syrian side, culminating in the definition of the border over two days of discussions.
By Wednesday morning, Syrian armed forces withdrew from the territory, allowing the Lebanese military to establish checkpoints and initiate the re-entry into Lebanese land. Concurrently, engineering units began clearing remnants of previous conflicts and hazardous unexploded munitions to ensure the safe return of residents.
Although locals were cleared to return to their homes within Lebanese territory, their access to properties in Syrian-controlled areas remains restricted. This was underscored by an incident where local residents faced gunfire upon attempting to enter the latter zones.
In an effort to curtail any illicit cross-border activities, the Lebanese army has taken measures to close illegal crossings around the Qasr-Hermel and Masharee al-Qaa regions, also working on reducing armed manifestations, which were promptly addressed.
The deployments signal a notable decline in clashes across the border. The Syrian forces’ presence in Hawsh al-Sayyid Ali has been interpreted as reflective of deeper issues between Lebanon and Syria beyond territorial disputes. Observers have also noted the strategic significance of this area for Hezbollah, particularly for supply routes and crossings.
In conclusion, the Lebanese army’s successful operations to reclaim Hawsh al-Sayyid Ali mark a significant moment in restoring order along the Lebanon-Syria border. The collaborative efforts with local factions and the strategic military maneuvers have not only established control but also facilitated a safer environment for returning residents, despite continued tensions relating to border sovereignty and illegal crossings.
Original Source: www.lbcgroup.tv
