Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun ordered military retaliation in response to gunfire from Syria, following serious clashes that began after Hezbollah militants allegedly abducted and killed Syrian soldiers. The situation escalated with casualties reported, including civilians and soldiers from both sides. Communications between the Lebanese and Syrian armies have been established to ease tensions while Lebanon seeks international support for military reinforcement.
BEIRUT — On Monday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun ordered military retaliation in response to gunfire from Syria, following a severely escalating situation along the volatile border. This conflict ignited after Syria’s interim government accused Hezbollah militants from Lebanon of crossing the border to abduct and kill three soldiers on Lebanese territory.
This incident marks the most intense cross-border confrontation since the removal of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in December. Sources from a Syrian News Channel reported that the Syrian army targeted Hezbollah positions, resulting in fatalities among Syrian soldiers, a claim Hezbollah refuted in a statement.
Lebanon’s Information Minister Paul Morkos conveyed that during a Cabinet meeting, the Defense Minister classified the three deceased individuals as smugglers. He further reported tragic collateral damage: one child lost their life, and six individuals were injured on the Lebanese side.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicated that, amid the clashes on Monday, five Syrian soldiers were reported killed. As a result, there was a noticeable movement of families fleeing towards the Lebanese town of Hermel. Reports indicated an intensification of fighting that evening near this town.
President Aoun expressed his firm stance, stating, “What is happening along the eastern and northeastern border cannot continue, and we will not accept that it continues.” He ordered the Lebanese army to retaliate against the source of the gunfire and tasked the Foreign Minister, currently in Brussels, with contacting Syrian officials to resolve the matter diplomatically and mitigate potential escalation.
Recent violence has escalated due to confrontations between the Syrian military and various armed Lebanese Shiite clans allied with Assad’s former regime, particularly near Al-Qasr village in Lebanon. Reports indicate that these clans may have played a role in the recent abductions.
Both Lebanese and Syrian armies have initiated communication to defuse tensions, with Lebanon’s military announcing the return of the deceased Syrian soldiers’ bodies. Meanwhile, numerous Lebanese troops have been deployed in the conflict zone. Earlier in the day, lower-level clashes were reported following an attack on a Syrian military vehicle, although casualty figures remain unclear.
In a separate incident, four Syrian journalists attached to the Syrian army were lightly injured when an artillery shell from the Lebanese side struck near their position, leading them to blame Hezbollah for the assault. Senior Hezbollah figure Hussein Haj Hassan claimed that fighters from the Syrian side had infiltrated Lebanese territory and attacked border villages, particularly affecting his constituency in the northeastern province of Baalbek-Hermel.
Lebanon continues to seek international aid to enhance its military capabilities as it gradually deploys forces to secure its extensive and loosely controlled borders with Syria and Israel.
The recent escalation of violence along the Lebanese-Syrian border, including accusations and retaliations, represents a significant turning point in regional tensions. President Aoun’s directive for military action and the involvement of armed clans raises concerns about the potential for further conflict. Amidst calls for resolution, both nations acknowledge the dire need for diplomatic dialogues to mitigate tensions and ensure regional stability.
Original Source: www.stltoday.com
