Gunfire and shelling from Syria targeted the Lebanese town of Housh Al-Sayyid Ali during a funeral, amidst ongoing tensions following the killing of three individuals accused of smuggling. A ceasefire has been established after a dialogue between Lebanese and Syrian defense officials. The Lebanese army has bolstered its presence in the area while concerns about external destabilizing forces persist.
On Thursday, the Lebanese border town of Housh Al-Sayyid Ali was subjected to gunfire and shelling from Syria’s Al-Qusayr countryside during a funeral for a local resident. Current reports lack specific information regarding damages or casualties from this incident.
The conflict in the region escalated on Sunday after the deaths of three individuals, described by Syria’s Ministry of Defense as Syrian soldiers, which Hezbollah denied, asserting the deceased were smugglers. Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa urged enhanced cooperation between Lebanon and Syria to mitigate future security challenges.
In light of a ceasefire agreement reached following conversations between Minister Menassa and his Syrian counterpart Marhaf Abu Qasra, the Lebanese army entered Housh Al-Sayyid Ali on Wednesday to clear remnants from recent clashes and to strengthen their military positions.
Hezbollah MP Hussein Al-Hajj Hassan expressed support for the Lebanese army’s presence and encouraged border communities to back its mission. He emphasized Hezbollah’s dedication to the philosophy of “Army, People, Resistance,” while warning of external forces attempting to disrupt stability, attributing heightened tensions to “foreign intelligence activities and American influence.”
The recent attack on Housh Al-Sayyid Ali underscores ongoing tensions along the Lebanese-Syrian border. Following a ceasefire, the Lebanese army’s reinforcement in the area reflects efforts to stabilize the situation. Nevertheless, local leaders have voiced concerns about foreign interference exacerbating regional instability, thereby necessitating continued cooperation between Lebanon and Syria to avert further incidents.
Original Source: shafaq.com
