Lebanon Responds to Border Violence with Retaliation Orders Against Syria

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun ordered military retaliation following cross-border gunfire from Syria amid rising tensions. Significant violence erupted after allegations of Hezbollah militants abducting and killing Syrian soldiers. Communication between the Lebanese and Syrian armies has been initiated to deescalate the situation, while Lebanon seeks international military support.

In response to cross-border gunfire from Syria, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has ordered troops to retaliate. The situation escalated following violent clashes between the Syrian military and Lebanese Shiite clans aligned with the ousted Syrian leader, Bashar al-Assad. This marked the most significant flare-up of cross-border violence since Assad’s ouster in December.

The Syrian interim government accused Hezbollah militants of crossing into Syria and abducting three soldiers, who were later reported killed on Lebanese soil. Consequently, five Syrian soldiers lost their lives during the subsequent clashes. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Information Minister stated that the deceased were believed to be smugglers, and casualties included a child and several injuries on the Lebanese side, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

President Aoun expressed strong disapproval of the ongoing violence, stating, “What is happening along the eastern and northeastern border cannot continue, and we will not accept that it continues.” He has tasked the Lebanese army with responding to the fire source and has also reached out to the foreign minister in Brussels to communicate with Syrian officials regarding the situation.

Communication channels between the Lebanese and Syrian armies have reportedly been opened to decrease tensions. Lebanese military forces also declared they returned the bodies of the three soldiers, while reports indicated low-level fighting continued intermittently. In a related incident, four Syrian journalists were wounded when artillery shells from the Lebanese side hit their position, prompting accusations against Hezbollah.

Hezbollah legislator Hussein Haj Hassan conjectured that Syrian fighters have also invaded Lebanese territory, attacking border villages. Lebanon is actively seeking international assistance to enhance military funding as they strengthen defenses along their borders with Syria and Israel.

The escalation of violence along the Lebanon-Syria border has prompted a strong response from Lebanese authorities, leading to military retaliation orders from President Aoun. The cross-border tensions stem from various incidents involving Hezbollah and the Syrian military, which have sparked significant casualties on both sides. In light of desperation, Lebanon is seeking international support to bolster its military capabilities amid ongoing confrontations.

Original Source: www.france24.com