Violence erupted in the Qusayr countryside after the Syrian army accused Hezbollah of kidnapping and executing three of its soldiers. Lebanese media maintains the soldiers had entered Lebanese territory and were killed in a confrontation. However, the Syrian military rejected this account, insisting the soldiers were abducted from Syrian soil and executed inside Lebanon.
Videos circulating on social media appear to support Syrian claims and show the abducted soldiers being attacked, with one reportedly stoned to death. Their bodies were later handed over to Syrian authorities at the Jousieh border crossing by the Lebanese Red Cross under military supervision.
Attacks on Journalists Amid Clashes
Clashes between the Syrian army and Hezbollah escalated after the incident, with both sides exchanging fire. The Syrian army reportedly launched operations to push Hezbollah fighters out of border areas, particularly targeting the village of Hawsh al-Sayyid Ali, which Syria claims has been used as a Hezbollah base for smuggling and drug trafficking.
The Syrian Ministry of Information has condemned Hezbollah for targeting a group of journalists with guided missiles while they were covering events near the Syrian-Lebanese border. In a statement, the ministry called the attack a “flagrant violation of international laws and norms that guarantee the protection of journalists,” and urged the Lebanese government to hold those responsible accountable. The incident further inflames already rising tensions between Syria and Hezbollah along the border.
Ceasefire Agreement Reached
Amid mounting violence, Syria and Lebanon reached a ceasefire agreement aimed at de-escalating the conflict. The Syrian Ministry of Defense reported that discussions with Lebanese officials resulted in a commitment to enhance coordination and prevent further clashes.
Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa and his Syrian counterpart, Marhaf Abu Qasra, held talks, agreeing to maintain communication between the Lebanese Army’s Intelligence Directorate and Syrian intelligence. Similarly, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji met in Brussels to reaffirm commitments to border security and de-escalation.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high, with the Lebanese army reinforcing its presence along the border following reports of shelling from Syrian forces. Lebanese authorities also reported that rockets fell in the town of Al-Qasr, allegedly originating from Syria’s Homs province.
Wider Implications & Regional Stability
The conflict on the Syrian-Lebanese border is unfolding at a time of broader regional instability. The Syrian government has sought to reassert control over border crossings previously used by the Assad regime and its Iranian allies, like Hezbollah, for illicit activities, including arms and drug smuggling. Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s increasing presence in the region has fueled concerns over further confrontations. With both Syrian and Lebanese forces now deployed along the border, the situation remains fragile, and the risk of renewed violence persists despite diplomatic efforts to maintain stability.
