Lebanon’s Military Retaliation Ordered Amid Heightened Border Tensions with Syria

Lebanon’s President has ordered military retaliation against Syria following increased border tensions due to gunfire. The conflict escalated after Hezbollah militants allegedly abducted and killed Syrian soldiers on Lebanese soil. President Aoun emphasized the need for immediate action and communications to prevent further escalation, while both nations are attempting to ease military tensions amidst increasing violence.

On Monday, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun ordered military retaliation in response to gunfire originating from Syria, as tensions along the border have escalated dramatically. This surge in violence has occurred between the Syrian military and Lebanese Shiite clans that have ties to former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, following allegations that militants from the Hezbollah group entered Syria and were implicated in the abduction and murder of three soldiers, which reportedly took place on Lebanese territory.

This recent clash marks the most severe border violence since the removal of Bashar al-Assad from power. Reports from a Syrian news channel indicated that the Syrian army retaliated with shelling aimed at targets associated with Hezbollah, claiming this was a response to the deaths of its soldiers. In contrast, Hezbollah has publicly denied any involvement in these events, with Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morkos stating that the deceased individuals were involved in smuggling activities and confirmed casualties on both sides, including the death of a child and injuries to six others.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported five Syrian soldiers were killed during the fighting, which intensified near the Lebanese town of Hermel. President Aoun emphasized the need for immediate action, declaring, “What is happening along the eastern and northeastern border cannot continue and we will not accept that it continues.” He instructed the Lebanese army to retaliate and also requested that the foreign minister reach out to Syrian officials to prevent further escalation.

Amid the violence, it has been noted that Lebanese and Syrian military officials have initiated communication to mitigate tensions. Lebanon has committed to returning the bodies of the three deceased Syrians involved in the altercations, while troop deployments have increased in sensitive areas. Recent reports also indicated exchanges of fire, including an attack on a Syrian military vehicle, leading to unconfirmed reports of casualties.

In a related incident, early Monday, artillery from the Lebanese side injured four Syrian journalists embedded with the Syrian army, prompting accusations against Hezbollah for the attack. Additionally, a senior Hezbollah official claimed that fighters from Syria invaded Lebanese territory, aggravating the situation further. Lebanon continues to seek international support to enhance its military capabilities as it patrols its northern and eastern borders with Syria, as well as its southern border with Israel.

In summary, Lebanon’s president has ordered military action in response to cross-border gunfire from Syria, highlighting escalating tensions between the two nations. The violence, reportedly intensified by Hezbollah’s alleged involvement in the abduction of Syrian soldiers, marks a significant rise in conflict along the border. Both Lebanese and Syrian military officials are attempting to engage in dialogue to de-escalate the situation while Lebanon seeks international assistance to bolster its military presence in sensitive border areas. The potential for further violence remains a pressing concern as both sides navigate this precarious situation.

Original Source: www.france24.com