The Lebanese army has clashed with Syrian troops on the border amidst accusations by Syria’s government against Hezbollah for kidnapping its security forces. Conflicting narratives have emerged while retaliatory actions have led to increased military presence on the Lebanese side. President Joseph Aoun has mandated responses to the hostilities, indicating a turbulent landscape ahead.
The Lebanese army has recently engaged in skirmishes with Syrian forces along the eastern border between Lebanon and Syria, marking a new escalation of hostilities that began on Sunday night. The newly established Syrian government, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has accused the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah of the alleged kidnapping and murder of three of its security personnel.
Conflicting narratives regarding the events on Sunday night have surfaced from both parties. Hezbollah has denied its participation in the incident, while a Lebanese security source reported to Reuters that three Syrian soldiers had inadvertently crossed into Lebanese territory and were subsequently killed by armed members of a local tribe, who feared an impending attack on their town. In retaliation, Syrian forces shelled Lebanese regions overnight, prompting some residents to evacuate.
In response to the turmoil, the Lebanese military confirmed the return of the deceased Syrian soldiers’ bodies to Syria and acknowledged its exchanges of fire with Syrian forces. A significant expansion of Lebanese military presence has taken place along the border region, as stated by a military spokesperson. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared, “What is happening on the eastern and northeastern borders cannot continue, and we will not accept its continuation,” instructing the army to retaliate against the sources of fire.
The Lebanese army has thus remained actively engaged in intense confrontations near Hosh al-Sayyed Ali, a town located in northeastern Lebanon. The border zone has proven to be a volatile area characterized by sporadic clashes since the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a historical ally of Hezbollah. Despite the expressed intentions of both President Aoun and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Shara to foster bilateral relations, these hostilities, compounded by the current Syrian government’s antagonism towards Hezbollah, are formidable obstacles to peace and cooperation.
The recent clashes between the Lebanese army and Syrian forces along the northeastern border highlight a continuing cycle of tension in the region. The conflicting narratives between Hezbollah and the Syrian government further complicate the situation. With Lebanon’s military actively involved in the conflict and President Aoun’s commitment to responding to provocations, the possibility of sustained stability in this border area remains uncertain. These developments suggest that, despite efforts to improve diplomatic ties, ongoing hostilities pose significant challenges.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
