France Seeks to Mediate Clashes at Syrian-Lebanese Border

France has offered mediation to address tensions along the Syrian-Lebanese border, where clashes have occurred between local tribes and HTS forces. President Emmanuel Macron has engaged with Lebanese and Syrian officials to promote stability. The ongoing conflict, which began on February 6, has led to casualties and continued military responses from the LAF and Israeli airstrikes.

France has proposed its assistance in easing the escalating clashes along the Syrian-Lebanese border. French President Emmanuel Macron communicated his willingness to help stabilize the situation during discussions with Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Joseph Aoun. Additionally, Macron invited Syrian transitional President Ahmad Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, to visit France to facilitate dialogue.

Recent clashes began on February 6 in Hawik, a locality straddling the Lebanon-Syria border known for its smuggling activities. Following the deployment of forces by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) to set checkpoints, intense fighting erupted with local Lebanese tribes. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) are heavily present in the region, responding to sporadic fire originating from Syrian territory, which includes drone and rocket attacks.

In an official statement released on February 9, the Lebanese army outlined its operations, stating, “Following the statement regarding the issuance of orders to military units to respond to sources of fire launched from Syrian territory targeting Lebanese territory, shelling has been launched repeatedly on Lebanese areas adjacent to the eastern border.” The LAF has been conducting heightened security measures along the border to manage the conflict’s ramifications.

As a result of the clashes, several casualties have occurred on both sides, with many injuries reported. Over the course of the conflict, captives were taken, but both parties later engaged in a prisoner exchange. Meanwhile, tensions escalated further as Lebanese tribes claimed to have shot down a drone launched by Syrian forces amid ongoing bombardments from the Syrian side.

Consequently, Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes targeting the vicinity of the Lebanese town of Hermel, close to the ongoing conflict site. The Israeli military asserted that their strikes were aimed at an underground tunnel allegedly used by Hezbollah for transporting arms from Syria into Lebanon.

In summary, France has stepped forward to mediate the rising tensions along the Syrian-Lebanese border, emphasizing support for Lebanon amid recent violent clashes initiated by the HTS and local tribes. The Lebanese Armed Forces are actively responding to threats, implementing strict security measures to protect civilians. Overall, the situation remains fluid, marked by ongoing conflicts and international diplomatic efforts.

Original Source: thecradle.co