The Lebanese-Syrian border saw heightened security tensions on Sunday evening. The Syrian Ministry of Defense reported that Hezbollah members from Lebanon crossed the border into the Homs region and killed three Syrian soldiers. According to the ministry, Hezbollah subsequently brought the bodies back to Lebanese territory. The ministry also stated that it would take all necessary measures in response to the serious escalation caused by Hezbollah.
In response, Hezbollah issued a statement denying any involvement in the events at the Lebanese-Syrian border on Sunday, reiterating that it was not engaged in the recent clashes in Syria, particularly in the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartus.
The Syrian General Security in Al-Qusair confirmed that three members of the elite 103rd Brigade of the Syrian Army were killed on Lebanese soil after getting lost and accidentally crossing into Lebanese territory.
Following the incident, border clashes erupted between fighters suspected to be from Hezbollah, hailing from local Lebanese tribal families, and Syrian security forces. The Lebanese Army remains on high alert along the northeastern border of the city of Hermel, while Syrian authorities have also deployed their troops along this border.
Syrian forces targeted Hezbollah positions with artillery and missiles in the border town of Al-Qasr.
The bodies of the three Syrian fighters were found near Al-Qasr, in the Baalbeck-Hermel region. They were handed over to Syrian General Security at the official Jousiyeh crossing point, in coordination with the Lebanese Army and the Lebanese Red Cross.
In the meantime, the Lebanese Army arrested a fighter responsible for the deaths of those linked to the Syrian authorities. The investigation is ongoing.
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