Clashes erupted between the Lebanese army and Syrian troops along the northeastern border, sparked by accusations from the new Syrian government against Hezbollah. Conflicting accounts emerged concerning the death of three Syrian soldiers, leading to retaliatory shelling from Syrian forces. President Aoun has instructed the Lebanese military to respond to these provocations amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Clashes between the Lebanese army and Syrian forces erupted at Lebanon’s eastern border on Sunday night. This conflict marks the latest development amid escalating tensions, particularly following accusations from the Syrian government, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, claiming that Lebanese group Hezbollah was involved in the kidnapping and killing of three security personnel from Syria.
Conflicting narratives have emerged regarding this incident. Hezbollah has denied its involvement, while a Lebanese security source informed Reuters that three Syrian soldiers had crossed into Lebanese territory before being killed by armed members of a local tribe, who perceived them as a threat to their town.
In retaliation, Syrian forces shelled Lebanese towns overnight, prompting many residents to flee. The Lebanese military confirmed the return of the deceased soldiers’ bodies and reported exchanges of fire from Syrian territory. Additionally, there has been a significant deployment of Lebanese soldiers to the frontline.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, addressing the situation, stated, “What is happening on the eastern and northeastern borders cannot continue, and we will not accept its continuation.” He emphasized that he had instructed the Lebanese army to respond to the sources of the fire.
Heavy fighting has persisted near Hosh al-Sayyed Ali, a town in northeastern Lebanon. Despite desires expressed by both Aoun and Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Shara for improved relations between Lebanon and Syria, ongoing hostilities—particularly the new Syrian government’s antagonism toward Hezbollah—present serious obstacles to diplomatic progress.
The recent clashes between Lebanese and Syrian forces highlight the ongoing volatility along the Lebanon-Syria border. Accusations from the new Syrian government against Hezbollah, paired with conflicting accounts of the violent events, reveal the complexity of the situation. Despite aspirations for stronger bilateral relations, entrenched animosities hinder progress and underscore the challenges both countries face in achieving stability in the region.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
