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3. Military Activity at the Eastern Borders

With the escalation of the war in Syria and the expansion of areas controlled by opposition forces reaching the outskirts of the Homs area, concerns in Lebanon have grown about the possibility of the conflict spreading to its territory, particularly through the eastern borders in Arsal and Hermel. These concerns are heightened by Hezbollah’s involvement in the Syrian crisis and its presence in Syrian regions adjacent to Lebanon’s eastern borders, especially in the Qusayr region, near Hermel, which belongs to Homs, as well as in the Qalamoun area and rural Damascus.

Lebanese fears are twofold: the first relates to the influx of Syrian refugees into Lebanon, and the second concerns the potential spillover of battles into Lebanon if Homs were to fall. According to available information, what remains of Hezbollah’s military forces, along with those who can support them from Lebanon, would fight in the Qusayr region to prevent its recapture by Syrian opposition forces. Hezbollah considers such a development a direct threat to Lebanese Shia villages and towns near the Syrian border.

To address these concerns, the Lebanese Army Command decided to take action to protect Lebanese territory. Reports indicate that the Army has reinforced its forces deployed along the northern border with units from the Commando Regiment and the Special Forces. However, the most significant reinforcements have been sent to the eastern border, particularly to the Hermel area, with the deployment of about 500 soldiers and officers from the Airborne Regiment. Additionally, an artillery company equipped with several Grad rocket launchers (122mm caliber) has been stationed. This force has been tasked with countering any attempt to advance militarily from Syrian territory into Lebanese land.

It is worth noting that statements from Syrian opposition military leaders, including Ahmad al-Sharaa, known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, have emphasized that they have no intention of attacking any neighboring country. Moreover, calls from Syrian opposition groups have urged the Lebanese not to intervene in the ongoing war in Syria. The opposition has also expressed readiness to maintain diplomatic relations with Lebanon and to respect the borders of both countries.

As for addressing the potential influx of refugees, particularly from the Homs area, cooperation is underway between the reinforced Army units at the border and General Security. This cooperation has resulted in the detention of hundreds of Syrian refugees who attempted to cross illegally through the Hermel and Martaba areas. Reports indicate that in recent days, the Army has detained dozens of Syrians, while General Security has managed to arrest another 500, working to return them to Syria.