Lebanon’s President has ordered military retaliation against Syrian gunfire after deadly cross-border clashes, primarily involving Hezbollah and Syrian forces. The violence stems from accusations of abductions and killings, with casualties reported on both sides. Diplomatic solutions and international military support are being sought amidst rising tensions.
The President of Lebanon has instructed military forces to retaliate in response to gunfire originating from Syria amid escalating cross-border hostilities. The violence follows allegations from Syria’s interim government that Hezbollah fighters abducted and killed three soldiers in Lebanon on Saturday, marking the most severe fighting since the removal of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in December.
Amid these tensions, a Syrian official indicated that the Syrian army targeted Hezbollah positions, allegedly resulting in the deaths of Syrian soldiers; however, Hezbollah has firmly denied these claims. Lebanon’s Information Minister Paul Morkos stated that two of the deceased were identified as smugglers, while violence has reportedly resulted in casualties, including the death of a child and injuries to six individuals on the Lebanese side.
During the recent clashes, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported five Syrian soldiers killed. Families are seen fleeing the violence towards Hermel, a town in Lebanon. President Joseph Aoun articulated the need to cease the ongoing violence, asserting that he had ordered the Lebanese military to retaliate, while also urging diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
The clash is indicative of heightened tensions between the Syrian military and pro-Assad Lebanese clans in the region, specifically in Al-Qasr. Both the Lebanese and Syrian armies reportedly established communication channels to mitigate the unrest. Meanwhile, incidents of low-level fighting were noted, with reports confirming that several Lebanese troops have been deployed to the volatile area.
In a related incident, four Syrian journalists were injured by an artillery shell attributed to the Lebanese side. Hezbollah legislator Hussein Haj Hassan claimed that Syrian fighters crossed into Lebanon, attacking border villages. Furthermore, Lebanon is actively seeking international assistance to bolster military funding for securing its borders with Syria and Israel. The U.N. envoy has cautioned that the ongoing Israeli military presence in Lebanon poses potential risks of further conflict.
In summary, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has mandated military retaliation against Syrian gunfire following recent violent exchanges along the border. The tensions are exacerbated by accusations against Hezbollah and the broader sectarian conflicts involving Lebanese clans. Both nations are attempting communication to defuse the situation, while Lebanon seeks international military support amidst these ongoing challenges. The risks of further escalation remain evident, warranting close observation from the international community.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
