Lebanon and Syria Agree to Ceasefire Following Deadly Cross-Border Clashes

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Lebanon and Syria have reached a ceasefire agreement after intense cross-border clashes left at least 10 people dead and over 50 wounded, according to Syria’s state-run SANA news agency. The ceasefire was brokered following high-level discussions between the defense ministers of both nations.

The violence erupted over the weekend as Syrian shelling targeted Lebanese villages along the northern border, reportedly in response to the deaths of three Syrian nationals in the Lebanese town of Qasr. The Lebanese military confirmed the attack, stating that its forces returned fire. Syrian shelling struck the border town of Qasr, resulting in casualties and significant damage.

The situation escalated further when Syria’s defense ministry accused Hezbollah of ambushing and executing three Syrian troops inside Syrian territory before transporting them into Lebanon. Hezbollah has denied any involvement, stating through Lebanon’s state news agency NNA that it had no connection to the clashes.

Lebanon’s presidency issued a statement on Monday emphasizing that the cross-border tensions were unacceptable and could not be allowed to continue.

"If confirmed, Syria's attack on Lebanese territory would mark a significant shift in the country's regional stance," analysts noted. Syria’s new leadership, under Ahmed al-Sharaa, has largely refrained from engaging in military conflicts with its neighbors despite persistent Israeli airstrikes in the region.

The clashes highlight growing instability along the Lebanon-Syria border, particularly in predominantly Shiite areas northeast of the Beqaa Valley. The area has seen frequent skirmishes between local militias and Syrian soldiers in recent weeks.

Tensions remain high, with both countries on alert despite the ceasefire agreement.