Syrian troops engaged in a violent exchange of fire with Lebanese soldiers and armed groups in northeast Lebanon overnight and into Monday, marking the latest escalation in ongoing border tensions.
The clashes occurred in the mountainous region, which has seen heightened friction in recent months. These tensions have been fueled by the fallout from Syria’s ongoing civil war, particularly following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels, and the rise of new institutions and armed forces in the region. Assad’s regime remains closely aligned with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group.
Late on Sunday, Syria’s defense ministry accused Hezbollah of crossing into Syrian territory, where it allegedly kidnapped and killed three members of Syria’s newly-formed army. However, Hezbollah denied the claims. A Lebanese security source provided a different account, stating that the three Syrian soldiers had crossed into Lebanese territory first and were subsequently killed by members of a local tribe in northeastern Lebanon, who feared an attack on their town.
In retaliation for the deaths, Syrian forces shelled Lebanese border towns overnight. The Syrian defense ministry and the Lebanese army confirmed the bombardment. Residents of Al-Qasr, a town located less than one kilometer from the border, told Reuters that they fled further inland to escape the attacks.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the clashes and ordered the military to respond to any fire from the northern and eastern borders with Syria. In a statement issued by his office, Aoun emphasized that Lebanon would not tolerate further border hostilities.
On Monday, Lebanon’s army confirmed it had handed over the bodies of the three slain Syrian soldiers to Syrian authorities. The Lebanese military also stated that it had returned fire from Syrian positions and sent reinforcements to the border region.
In a show of force, Syrian military convoys, including several tanks, were observed moving towards the border. Syrian troops fired warning shots as they passed through towns en route to the frontier. Maher Ziwani, the head of a Syrian army division, confirmed that large reinforcements had been deployed to strengthen positions along the Syrian-Lebanese border and prevent any future breaches.
As tensions continue to rise, both nations are on alert, with international concerns growing over the potential for further violence in the volatile region.
