Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has ordered military retaliation against Syrian gunfire amidst escalating border tensions involving the Syrian military and Hezbollah. The recent violence led to casualties on both sides. With active engagements and rising concerns, Lebanon is seeking international support to bolster its military capabilities along its borders.
Amid escalating tensions at the Lebanon-Syria border, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has ordered military retaliation against Syrian gunfire. The recent spike in violence involves clashes between the Syrian military and Lebanese Shiite clans allied with Bashar al-Assad’s regime. This turmoil comes after Lebanon’s Hezbollah was accused of abducting and killing Syrian soldiers on Lebanese territory, marking the most severe conflict since Assad’s removal from office in December.
The Syrian interim government reported that its military shelled Hezbollah positions, citing retaliatory measures for the attacks that resulted in fatalities. Hezbollah refuted these allegations, while Lebanon’s Information Minister, Paul Morkos, suggested that the deceased were smugglers, noting additional civilian casualties on the Lebanese side during the exchanges.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported casualties, including five Syrian soldiers, during Monday’s confrontations. Families are reportedly fleeing towards the Lebanese town of Hermel as the situation remains tense. President Aoun emphasized the necessity of halting the attacks, instructing the Lebanese army to respond decisively and engage with Syrian officials to de-escalate the situation.
The recent violence underscores deep-rooted conflicts between the Syrian military and local Lebanese clans, fueling fears of greater instability. Both armies have reportedly begun communication efforts to alleviate tensions, with Lebanese forces now deployed in the affected regions. Additional incidents occurred, including the wounding of four Syrian journalists by artillery fire attributed to Lebanese forces.
Amid these developments, senior Hezbollah legislator Hussein Haj Hassan has suggested that Syrian fighters may have crossed into Lebanon, further complicating the situation. Lebanon continues to seek international aid to strengthen its military capabilities in light of these border confrontations and the ongoing risks posed by external threats.
In conclusion, the escalation of cross-border hostilities between Lebanon and Syria presents a significant challenge to regional stability. With Lebanon’s government asserting military readiness to retaliate, the situation is fraught with potential for further violence. Continuous communication efforts between both countries’ militaries aim to mitigate conflict, yet the prevailing tensions indicate a precarious state of affairs that necessitates international attention and support.
Original Source: www.france24.com
