Lebanese Border Town Attacked Amid Ceasefire with Syria

The Lebanese town of Housh Al-Sayyid Ali was attacked from Syria during a funeral, following earlier clashes linked to alleged executions of smugglers. The Lebanese Defense Minister called for better cooperation to prevent future incidents, while Hezbollah emphasized regional stability amidst foreign influences.
On Thursday, the Lebanese border town of Housh Al-Sayyid Ali was attacked with gunfire and shelling originating from Syria’s Al-Qusayr countryside, coinciding with a resident’s funeral. No information regarding damages or casualties has been reported. This incident follows clashes that erupted on Sunday, linked to the killing of three individuals labeled by the Syrian Ministry of Defense as soldiers, a claim that Hezbollah has contested.
Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa clarified that the deceased were actually three Syrian smugglers, whose remains have been returned to Syrian authorities. He emphasized the necessity for enhanced cooperation between Lebanon and Syria to avert further conflicts. A ceasefire agreement was reached after discussions between Menassa and Syrian Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra, which led to the Lebanese army clearing remnants of previous clashes and reinforcing its security presence in Housh Al-Sayyid Ali.
Hezbollah MP Hussein Al-Hajj Hassan commended the Lebanese army’s initiative and urged local communities to support its mission. He reiterated Hezbollah’s commitment to the doctrine of “Army, People, Resistance,” cautioning against external forces that threaten regional stability. He specifically pointed to “foreign intelligence activities and American influence” as contributing factors to the current tensions in the area.
The recent attack on Housh Al-Sayyid Ali amidst a ceasefire with Syria highlights the volatile security situation in the region. The Lebanese army’s response and the calls for cooperation between Lebanon and Syria underscore efforts to mitigate further incidents. Hezbollah’s commitment to defending local communities from perceived external threats adds another layer of complexity to the current circumstances.
Original Source: shafaq.com