Lebanon to Retaliate Against Cross-Border Gunfire from Syria Following Clashes
Lebanon’s President has ordered retaliation against Syria following deadly cross-border fighting attributed to Hezbollah. The conflict escalated with allegations of abductions and artillery exchanges, resulting in casualties on both sides. Lebanon seeks diplomatic resolutions and increased military support to manage tensions at the border.
Lebanon’s President, Joseph Aoun, has directed the country’s military to respond to gunfire originating from Syria following deadly exchanges across their shared border. These incidents were triggered after the Syrian interim government accused the Lebanese Hezbollah group of crossing into Syria, resulting in the abduction and murder of three Syrian soldiers on Lebanese soil, marking the most severe cross-border conflict since the ousting of former Syrian leader Bashar Assad in December.
In response to the cross-border clashes, the Syrian army reportedly shelled Hezbollah positions, leading to further fatalities among Syrian soldiers. The situation escalated when Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morkos stated, during a Cabinet meeting, that the deceased individuals were identified as smugglers. The Lebanese side also experienced casualties, including a child and six wounded individuals. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights recorded five Syrian soldier deaths during this round of fighting.
As tensions mounted, President Aoun declared, “What is happening along the eastern and northeastern border cannot continue and we will not accept that it continues.” He has also set in motion diplomatic efforts through the Lebanese foreign minister to elevate concerns with Syrian officials, seeking a resolution to prevent future escalations.
Violence has recently heightened in the border areas, particularly among the Lebanese Shiite clans allied to the Assad government. The Lebanese and Syrian military forces have created communication channels to mitigate rising tensions, and Lebanese troops have heightened their presence amid reports of low-level clashes and attacks on Syrian military vehicles.
Additionally, several Syrian journalists embedded with the Syrian army were injured from shelling they attributed to Hezbollah. Senior Hezbollah representative Hussein Haj Hassan highlighted that fighters from Syria have allegedly crossed into Lebanon to conduct attacks on border villages. As Lebanon navigates this precarious situation, it is simultaneously engaging with international partners for military funding and support along its borders.
The ongoing border conflict between Lebanon and Syria presents a critical challenge to stability in the region. With Lebanon’s military poised to respond to aggression and diplomatic efforts underway, the necessity for a comprehensive resolution remains paramount. Enhanced military presence and international collaboration could play crucial roles in curbing further escalations and fostering peace along this tumultuous frontier.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
