Deadly clashes erupted along the Syrian-Lebanese border on Monday, with reports emerging that the Syrian military had launched artillery strikes against Hezbollah positions in retaliation for alleged terrorist activity by the group. The escalating violence follows accusations from Syria’s interim government that Hezbollah terrorists crossed into Syrian territory, kidnapped three soldiers, and executed them on Lebanese soil.
The conflict has claimed additional lives, with at least five more Syrian soldiers reported killed during the clashes. Civilians, including families with young children, have fled the region in search of safety. The situation remains volatile, with fighting intensifying near the village of Al-Qasr.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged calm and instructed the Lebanese army to respond to the sources of fire. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Syria’s newly established government, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has vowed retaliation against Hezbollah.
The conflict reflects deeper sectarian and ideological divisions between Sunni extremist groups like HTS and Shia terrorist forces such as Hezbollah. This struggle for regional dominance is fueled by Iran’s backing of Hezbollah and the group’s own efforts to solidify its influence in Lebanon.
Analysts say that Hezbollah faces significant challenges, including new adversaries in Syria and a weakened overland weapons supply route from Iran. The rise of HTS has drawn U.S. attention, with some analysts assessing al-Sharaa’s pragmatic approach cautiously.
As tensions continue to escalate, officials must address the long-term implications of these developments and work towards containing the crisis.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/syrias-new-regime-hits-hezbollah-targets-lebanon-over-claims-its-fighters-were-executed