Gunfire and shelling from Syria affected the Lebanese border town of Housh Al-Sayyid Ali during a funeral. Tensions arose after the deaths of three men, accused to be killed by Hezbollah, a claim the group denies. Following a ceasefire agreement, the Lebanese army strengthened its presence in the area, while Hezbollah MPs emphasized the need for unity against external pressures.

On Thursday, the Lebanese border town of Housh Al-Sayyid Ali was subjected to gunfire and shelling from Syria’s Al-Qusayr countryside during a funeral, as reported by Lebanese media outlets. Details concerning any potential damage or casualties remain undisclosed.

Recent clashes in the region began on Sunday, following the deaths of three individuals identified by Syria’s Ministry of Defense as soldiers. The Ministry accused Hezbollah of their execution, a claim that Hezbollah has categorically denied. Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa commented that the deceased were “three Syrian smugglers whose bodies had been handed over to Syrian authorities,” advocating for enhanced cooperation to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Following a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Syria, facilitated by discussions between Minister Menassa and his Syrian counterpart, Marhaf Abu Qasra, the Lebanese army intervened in Housh Al-Sayyid Ali on Wednesday. They cleared remnants of the earlier clashes and bolstered military positions in the area.

Hezbollah MP Hussein Al-Hajj Hassan commended the deployment of the Lebanese army and encouraged support from border communities. He reiterated Hezbollah’s commitment to the “Army, People, Resistance” doctrine and cautioned against external forces aiming to destabilize the region, pointing to “foreign intelligence activities and American influence” as contributing factors to the ongoing tensions.

The situation in Housh Al-Sayyid Ali exemplifies the fragility of peace along the Lebanese-Syrian border amidst recent tensions and accusations between Lebanese forces and Hezbollah. The call for cooperation between the two countries highlights the need for united efforts in addressing border security. Additionally, the warnings regarding external influence signal the complexities of regional stability, underscoring the importance of internal unity and vigilance.

Original Source: shafaq.com