A ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Syria has been established after two days of border clashes, which resulted in multiple casualties. Enhanced cooperation has been proposed to improve relations. The fighting was triggered by accusations of abduction attributed to Hezbollah, though the group denied involvement. The situation remains delicate amid ongoing violence and regional military activities.
On Monday, Lebanese and Syrian defense officials agreed to a ceasefire following two days of border clashes, as reported by Syria’s state-run SANA news agency. The ceasefire agreement not only halts hostilities but also emphasizes enhanced coordination and cooperation between the two countries. The clashes had escalated drastically, with the Lebanese Health Ministry reporting seven fatalities and over 50 injuries, including a young child.
The fighting erupted after Syria’s interim government accused members of Lebanon’s Hezbollah group of crossing the border, resulting in the abduction and killing of three Syrian soldiers. Hezbollah denied these accusations, suggesting that local clans, rather than affiliated groups, were responsible for the violence. This incident marks the most serious border conflict since former Syrian President Bashar Assad was ousted in December.
A Syrian News Channel cited a Defense Ministry official claiming that the Syrian army targeted Hezbollah positions due to the attacks that resulted in Syrian deaths. Lebanon’s Minister of Information indicated that the deceased were actually smugglers, based on discussions during a Cabinet meeting. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted additional casualties, reporting that five Syrian soldiers died during the clashes.
In response to the ongoing violence, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun ordered the Lebanese army to retaliate against the source of the gunfire. He also requested Lebanon’s foreign minister to liaise with Syrian officials to address the conflict and avert further escalation. The situation has drawn attention to armed Lebanese Shiite clans in the region, which are believed to be involved in cross-border hostilities.
Both Lebanese and Syrian military officials have stated they are establishing communication channels to reduce tensions. Reports indicated return of deceased individuals to their respective sides, while Lebanese troops were deployed in the affected areas. Incidents of low-level conflicts persisted, with continued accusations directed towards Hezbollah regarding attacks across the border.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah legislator Hussein Haj Hassan claimed attacks on Lebanese villages by Syrian fighters, highlighting ongoing cross-border tensions. Lebanon is actively seeking international assistance to bolster its military presence along critical borders, aiming to increase defense capabilities amidst the rising violence.
U.N. envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert warned that the continued presence of Israeli forces in Lebanon alongside airstrikes could provoke serious regional consequences. Concurrently, Israeli military actions continue in southern Syria, targeting sites they claim belong to the former Syrian regime. Recent Israeli strikes resulted in casualties, underscoring the complexity of the situation in the region.
The agreement for a ceasefire between Lebanon and Syria aims to halt recent violent clashes along their shared border, which have resulted in significant casualties. Enhanced cooperation is being emphasized to prevent future escalations while both nations navigate the complexities presented by armed groups and international tensions. Lebanon’s call for military support highlights ongoing regional instability exacerbated by Israeli operations in southern Syria.
Original Source: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
