Lebanon Responds to Cross-Border Gunfire from Syria Amid Rising Tensions

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has ordered military retaliation against Syrian gunfire amid escalating border tensions. Fighting has intensified due to accusations involving Hezbollah and increased violence between Syrian forces and Lebanese Shiite clans aligned with the Assad regime. Lebanon seeks international support to fortify its military as clashes continue.

Tensions between Lebanon and Syria have sharply escalated, with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun directing troops to retaliate against gunfire originating from the Syrian side of the border. This directive comes after recent violent confrontations involving the Syrian military and armed Lebanese Shiite clans, particularly those supportive of the ousted Syrian leader, Bashar al-Assad.

The latest skirmish follows an accusation by Syria’s interim government that militants from Hezbollah abducted and killed three Syrian soldiers on Lebanese soil. This incident marks the most significant cross-border conflicts since Assad’s departure from power in December. Reports indicate that Syrian forces responded by shelling Hezbollah positions along the border, while Hezbollah has denied any involvement.

Lebanon’s Information Minister Paul Morkos stated at a Cabinet meeting that the individuals killed were reportedly smugglers, with one child also among the casualties on the Lebanese side. Casualties included five Syrian soldiers according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The fighting intensified around the Lebanese town of Hermel, prompting President Aoun’s stern remarks about the ongoing conflict in that region.

Aoun expressed intolerance for the continued violence, affirming, “What is happening along the eastern and northeastern border cannot continue and we will not accept that it continues.” He has instructed the Lebanese military to take action against the source of fire and sought communication with Syrian officials to defuse the situation.

In a bid to ease tensions, both Lebanese and Syrian military forces have reportedly opened channels of communication. Large contingents of Lebanese troops have been stationed in the affected areas, with some reports of low-intensity fighting continuing. Four Syrian journalists were reported injured when an artillery shell, allegedly from Hezbollah, struck near their position, although Hezbollah denied the attack.

In addition, a senior Hezbollah member, Hussein Haj Hassan, alleged that Syrian fighters crossed into Lebanese territory, instigating attacks on border communities. With ongoing clashes, Lebanon is seeking international assistance to strengthen its military capabilities along its borders with Syria and Israel to ensure national security.

The escalation of violence along the Lebanon-Syria border highlights the fragile state of security in the region. With Lebanon’s calls for military retaliation and diplomatic dialogue, the dynamics between the two nations remain tense. President Joseph Aoun’s efforts to mitigate the situation reflect Lebanon’s urgent need for stability amid increasing cross-border hostilities involving Hezbollah and Syrian military forces. International support will be crucial in addressing these tensions and enhancing Lebanon’s military readiness.

Original Source: www.france24.com