Lebanon’s President Aoun has ordered military retaliation against Syrian gunfire after deadly clashes along their border. Triggered by accusations against Hezbollah for abductions, the violence has resulted in multiple casualties on both sides. Aoun emphasizes the need for diplomatic resolution to avoid further escalation amid heightened tensions.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has ordered military retaliation in response to gunfire originating from the Syrian border following deadly confrontations. The escalation was triggered by Syria’s interim government accusing Lebanese Hezbollah militants of crossing into Syria, abducting, and killing three soldiers on Lebanese terrain. This incident marks the most significant cross-border violence since the removal of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in December.
Reports indicated that the Syrian army intensified shelling on alleged Hezbollah positions after armed factions claimed responsibility for the attacks. Despite Hezbollah’s denial of involvement, Lebanon’s Information Minister, Paul Morkos, stated that the deceased individuals were smugglers, with Lebanese casualties consisting of one child dead and six injured. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights affirmed that five Syrian soldiers lost their lives during these clashes.
As the situation worsened, families began to flee towards the Lebanese town of Hermel amidst heightened combat activity near the border. President Aoun addressed ongoing violence, stating, “What is happening along the eastern and northeastern border cannot continue and we will not accept that it continues,” indicating a firm directive for the military to respond. Aoun also urged diplomatic contact with Syrian officials to prevent further escalation.
The increase in violence has been linked to armed Lebanese Shiite clans with ties to Assad’s government, particularly around the Al-Qasr border village. Efforts to enhance communication between the Lebanese and Syrian armies are underway, with Lebanon reporting the return of the deceased Syrian bodies. Reports suggest low-level fighting resumed after an attack on a Syrian military vehicle, although casualty figures remain unclear.
Additionally, four Syrian journalists were injured by an artillery shell from Lebanon, leading them to attribute the attack to Hezbollah. Senior Hezbollah legislator Hussein Haj Hassan accused Syrian combatants of infiltrating into Lebanese territory, emphasizing the need for greater military funding to fortify defenses along Lebanon’s vulnerable borders with Syria and Israel. In light of the recent hostilities, U.N. envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert highlighted concerns to the Security Council regarding the potential for serious consequences due to the continuous presence of Israeli forces on Lebanese soil.
The recent cross-border violence between Lebanon and Syria has underscored the persistent tensions in the region, primarily attributed to conflicts involving Hezbollah and Syrian armed forces. President Aoun’s directive for retaliation and the calls for international support reflect Lebanon’s urgent need for military reinforcement. As communication channels are established between both nations, the international community must pay close attention to the developments that may further destabilize the area.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
