Gunfire and shelling from Syria targeted the Lebanese town of Housh Al-Sayyid Ali during a funeral, amidst tensions following alleged killings attributed to Hezbollah. Lebanon’s Defense Minister clarified that the deceased were smugglers and called for enhanced bilateral cooperation to prevent conflicts. The Lebanese army has increased its presence in the area after a ceasefire agreement, while Hezbollah warns against destabilizing foreign influences.

On Thursday, the Lebanese border town of Housh Al-Sayyid Ali came under fire due to gunfire and shelling originating from the Al-Qusayr countryside in Syria, occurring during a resident’s funeral. Lebanese media reported no details on potential casualties or damage resulting from the incident.

The current unrest escalated from clashes that began on Sunday, following the alleged killing of three individuals by Syrian forces, whom they claimed were soldiers executed by Hezbollah. However, Hezbollah has denied these allegations. Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa indicated that the victims were actually “three Syrian smugglers” and urged for improved security cooperation to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Following a recent ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Syria, facilitated by a conversation between Menassa and Syrian Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra, the Lebanese army deployed into Housh Al-Sayyid Ali on Wednesday. They focused on clearing remnants of the clashes and enhancing military presence in the region.

Hezbollah MP Hussein Al-Hajj Hassan commended the Lebanese army’s initiative and called on local communities to support its actions. He reiterated Hezbollah’s allegiance to the doctrine of “Army, People, Resistance” and cautioned against external efforts to destabilize the region, attributing tensions to “foreign intelligence activities and American influence.”

The recent violence in Housh Al-Sayyid Ali highlights ongoing tensions at the Lebanese-Syrian border. The events were ignited by allegations against Hezbollah related to the deaths of three individuals. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army’s presence has been reinforced following a ceasefire, underscoring the need for cooperation between Lebanon and Syria to maintain stability in the region. Moreover, the potential impact of external influences on regional stability is a significant concern.

Original Source: shafaq.com