Lebanon’s President orders military retaliation after gunfire from Syria, following accusations against Hezbollah amidst deadly cross-border clashes. The situation has intensified, leading to casualties on both sides and a call for urgent diplomatic resolution to prevent escalation.
The Lebanese President has ordered military retaliation following cross-border gunfire from Syria, exacerbating tensions along the border. This most recent outbreak of violence is attributed to accusations by Syria’s interim government, which alleges that Hezbollah militants abducted and killed three Syrian soldiers on Lebanese territory.
The situation escalated following claims that Syrian forces shelled Hezbollah positions in response, resulting in casualties among Syrian soldiers. Hezbollah has denied any involvement, while Lebanese officials reported that those killed were smugglers and noted additional casualties, including a child and six wounded individuals.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the deaths of five Syrian soldiers amidst the renewed clashes. The Lebanese state media indicated heightened military activity near Hermel, urging immediate intervention to prevent further escalation. President Joseph Aoun emphasized the importance of addressing these border conflicts promptly.
Communication channels have reportedly been established between the Lebanese and Syrian armies to reduce tensions. Furthermore, reports indicated low-level skirmishes surfaced during the dawn hours, alongside accusations by the Syrian media implicating Hezbollah in ongoing violence. Amid this chaos, Lebanon is actively pursuing international support to enhance its military capabilities in light of the persistent border instability with Syria.
The recent surge in violence along the Lebanese-Syrian border has prompted Lebanon’s military to prepare for retaliation in response to attacks from across the frontier. With both nations attempting to manage escalating tensions through communication, the situation remains precarious, necessitating scrutiny and international assistance to secure peace in the region.
Original Source: www.stripes.com
