Lebanon to Retaliate Against Syria Following Deadly Border Clashes

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun ordered military retaliation following gunfire from Syria that resulted in cross-border fighting, indicting Hezbollah’s involvement. Tensions escalated after the abduction and killing of three Syrian soldiers by militants. The conflicts have led to casualties on both sides, prompting heightened military presence and calls for diplomatic resolution.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has authorized retaliatory measures following gunfire from the Syrian border, which resulted in deadly confrontations. The conflict escalated after Syria’s interim government accused Hezbollah militants of crossing into Syria, abducting, and subsequently killing three soldiers. This incident marked the most significant border fighting since the fall of former President Bashar Assad in December.

According to a Defense Ministry official on a Syrian news channel, the Syrian army retaliated with shelling against Hezbollah positions, which reportedly resulted in Syrian military casualties. However, Hezbollah has denied any involvement, with Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morkos stating during a Cabinet meeting that those killed were smugglers. Additionally, a child was reported dead and six others wounded in Lebanon.

Monday’s violence saw five Syrian soldiers dead during intense clashes, and evidence, including video footage, depicted families fleeing the Lebanese town of Hermel. The fighting grew more intense in the evening hours, prompting President Aoun to express the need for action. He instructed the Lebanese army to respond to the source of the fire while also engaging Lebanon’s foreign minister to address the situation with Syrian officials to prevent further escalation.

The region has experienced increased violence, particularly involving the Syrian military and Lebanese Shiite clans aligned with Assad’s past regime. The Lebanese military and Syrian army have reportedly opened communication channels to mitigate tensions, while the Lebanese military has returned the remains of the three deceased soldiers to Syria. Recent reports indicated a low-level skirmish occurred near the border, with uncertain casualty numbers.

Additionally, an incident early Monday injured four Syrian journalists after an artillery shell reportedly launched from Lebanon struck their position, leading them to blame Hezbollah. A senior Hezbollah official claimed that fighters from Syria had crossed into Lebanese territory, endangering border villages in Aoun’s constituency in the Baalbek-Hermel province. Lebanon is seeking international assistance to enhance military funding, focusing on troop deployments at its porous borders with Syria and Israel.

In summary, escalating tensions along the Lebanese-Syrian border have resulted in significant violence and casualties. Lebanese President Aoun’s decision to authorize military retaliation reflects the gravity of the situation and the urgency to address cross-border aggression. The involvement of Hezbollah and regional armed clans adds complexity to the conflict. The necessity for international support and diplomatic engagement is imperative to stabilize this volatile region.

Original Source: www.stripes.com