Clashes erupted on the Syrian-Lebanese border involving Hayat Tahrir Al Sham and Hezbollah after the killing of three Syrian soldiers. The Syrian Defence Ministry accused Hezbollah of abduction and murder, which Hezbollah denied. Sporadic confrontations continue, with efforts ongoing to prevent further violence amidst unclear origins of the clashes.
On Monday, significant clashes erupted along the Syrian-Lebanese border involving Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS) and Hezbollah-aligned fighters after the fatality of three Syrian soldiers. This escalation occurs despite both nations’ attempts to mend their diplomatic relations, as indicated by multiple sources.
The Syrian Defence Ministry reported that a senior HTS commander claimed Hezbollah had abducted three Syrian soldiers near the Zita dam in Homs and subsequently killed them in Lebanese territory. However, Hezbollah has refuted these allegations. The conflict is concentrated around Hermel, an area known as a stronghold for Hezbollah in the Bekaa Valley, where local clans are also engaged in illegal activities.
According to a senior Lebanese security official, sporadic clashes continue. Pro-Syrian government media have released footage purportedly showing HTS-led troops attacking Hezbollah positions using rockets, with reports of a Syrian tank being struck during these confrontations.
The Lebanese official noted that attempts are being made to thwart further escalation, although the initial causes remain ambiguous. It is unclear whether Syrian fighters crossed into Lebanon and were subsequently killed by local tribes, or if Hezbollah fighters infiltrated Syria. Additionally, this official hinted that Lebanese groups affiliated with HTS are capable of launching retaliatory attacks on Hezbollah, potentially intensifying the conflict further.
The recent clashes at the Syrian-Lebanese border signify a troubling escalation in tensions involving HTS and Hezbollah, particularly after the killing of three Syrian soldiers. Efforts are underway to mitigate further conflict, yet the underlying causes remain unsettled and could lead to additional violence. The implications of these events underscore the fragile security dynamics in the region, particularly regarding local groups’ capabilities and cross-border interactions.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
