Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has ordered military retaliation against Syria after gunfire incidents linked to Hezbollah resulted in casualties, marking a significant escalation in border tensions. Both nations are seeking communication channels to address the conflict, while Lebanon is actively pursuing international military support to strengthen its defenses.
Tensions between Lebanon and Syria have surged following a directive from Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, who has ordered military retaliation after gunfire was exchanged across the border. The violence stems from accusations by Syria’s interim government that Hezbollah militants have crossed into Syria, resulting in the abduction and killing of three Syrian soldiers on Lebanese territory, marking the most severe border clashes since the fall of President Bashar Assad.
In response to the assault, the Syrian army reported that they shelled Hezbollah positions, claiming it was retaliation for the deaths of Syrian military personnel. Hezbollah has denied these allegations. Reports also indicate that casualties include a child and six wounded Lebanese individuals, while five Syrian soldiers perished during the violent confrontations.
Lebanon’s Defence Minister affirmed during a Cabinet meeting that the deceased individuals were engaged in smuggling. Subsequently, fighting escalated in the vicinity of Hermel, prompting President Aoun to assert that the ongoing situation is intolerable and directed the Lebanese army to combat the source of the fire. He also encouraged diplomatic communication with Syrian officials to defuse tensions and avoid further escalation.
Amidst these disturbances, both nations’ military forces have established communication channels to mitigate conflict. The Lebanese military has bolstered troop deployments along sensitive border regions. While low-level confrontations have been reported, exact casualty figures remain ambiguous. Moreover, a group of Syrian journalists were injured due to artillery fire believed to have originated from Lebanese territory, leading to additional accusations against Hezbollah regarding border security issues.
In the midst of these conflicts, Lebanon is appealing for international assistance to enhance its military funding as it seeks to fortify its defenses along the permeable borders with both Syria and Israel.
The cross-border tensions between Lebanon and Syria have markedly escalated, with President Aoun ordering military retaliation following lethal skirmishes. The situation has further complicated international relations, highlighting security challenges and the need for increased military support for Lebanon. Efforts to communicate and de-escalate tensions are ongoing, as both nations grapple with the complexities of this volatile border conflict.
Original Source: www.france24.com
