Lebanon’s Retaliation Orders Amid Heightened Tensions with Syria

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has commanded military retaliation against gunfire from Syria due to increased border hostilities. The fighting, stemming from allegations of Hezbollah’s involvement in cross-border abductions, has resulted in numerous casualties. Aoun calls for diplomatic engagement to resolve tensions as violence rises in areas near the border. Efforts to communicate between the Lebanese and Syrian armies have begun.

On Monday, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun ordered military retaliation in response to gunfire originating from Syria, due to escalating border tensions. This violence has intensified between the Syrian military and Lebanese Shiite clans allied with ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, following a serious incident where militants reportedly from Hezbollah allegedly crossed into Syria, leading to the abduction and death of three soldiers on Lebanese territory.

The recent clashes marked the most severe cross-border violence since the removal of Bashar al-Assad in December. Syrian state media reported that the army shelled purported Hezbollah positions, resulting in casualties among soldiers, although Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the incidents. Lebanon’s Information Minister, Paul Morkos, suggested that the deceased individuals may have been smugglers, and reported additional civilian casualties, including a child.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Monday’s altercations resulted in the deaths of five Syrian soldiers. Footage has emerged depicting families fleeing towards the town of Hermel in Lebanon. Fighting intensified during the evening, reinforcing concerns over the ongoing clashes.

President Aoun stated, “What is happening along the eastern and northeastern border cannot continue and we will not accept that it continues,” and emphasized orders given to the Lebanese army to respond to the aggressions. Furthermore, he instructed Lebanon’s foreign minister to engage with Syrian officials to manage and diminish the tensions.

Border violence has escalated mainly involving armed Lebanese clans and Syrian military forces, particularly around the Al-Qasr village. There are reports indicating these clans were involved in the incidents leading to the current conflict. Both Lebanese and Syrian armies have begun to establish communication channels to alleviate these tensions, with numerous Lebanese troops now stationed in the disputed areas.

Earlier on Monday, low-level confrontations were reported, following an attack on a Syrian military vehicle, although casualty figures remain unclear. Four Syrian journalists were injured due to an artillery shell fired from Lebanon, who implicated Hezbollah in the incident. In parallel, Hezbollah legislator Hussein Haj Hassan has claimed that fighters from Syria crossed into Lebanon to attack border settlements.

In conclusion, the ongoing violence along the Lebanon-Syria border has heightened following recent incidents involving cross-border firing and attacks. President Joseph Aoun’s directive for military retaliation underscores Lebanon’s growing concerns regarding security and territorial integrity. Efforts to establish communication between the two nations highlight a need for resolution, while mutual accusations among involved parties complicate the situation further. The escalating tensions signal an urgent requirement for international support to bolster Lebanon’s military capabilities.

Original Source: www.france24.com