The Lebanese border town of Housh Al-Sayyid Ali was attacked amid a ceasefire, as gunfire and shelling were reported during a funeral. Clashes earlier arose from the killing of three individuals accused by Syria’s Ministry of Defense as soldiers, prompting defense officials to call for better cooperation to prevent future incidents.
On Thursday, gunfire and shelling from Syria’s Al-Qusayr countryside struck the Lebanese border town of Housh Al-Sayyid Ali during a local funeral, as reported by Lebanese media. Details regarding the extent of the damage or the number of casualties remain unspecified.
The recent violence was sparked by clashes on Sunday, when three individuals, identified by Syria’s Ministry of Defense as Syrian soldiers, were killed. The Ministry accused Hezbollah of their execution, a claim that Hezbollah categorically denied. Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa clarified that the deceased were “three Syrian smugglers whose bodies had been handed over to Syrian authorities,” emphasizing the need for enhanced cooperation to avert future security incidents.
A ceasefire agreement between Beirut and Damascus followed a discussion between Minister Menassa and Syrian Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra. Following this agreement, the Lebanese army conducted an operation in Housh Al-Sayyid Ali to clear remnants of the recent clashes and strengthen their military presence in the region.
In the wake of these developments, Hezbollah Member of Parliament Hussein Al-Hajj Hassan commended the Lebanese army’s troop deployment and urged border communities to lend their support. He reiterated Hezbollah’s commitment to the doctrine of “Army, People, Resistance,” while asserting that external influences, such as “foreign intelligence activities and American influence,” are exacerbating tensions in the area.
In summary, the ceasefire between Lebanon and Syria has been challenged by recent violence in Housh Al-Sayyid Ali, underscoring the fragility of security in the border region. The Lebanese army has taken steps to secure the area following the clashes, while Hezbollah has emphasized their commitment to national stability amid external pressures. The situation remains dynamic, highlighting the need for continued cooperation between Lebanon and Syria.
Original Source: shafaq.com
