Syria and Lebanon have reached an agreement to implement a ceasefire along their shared border and enhance military coordination, Syria’s defence authorities have announced.
The agreement, finalised between the defence authorities of both countries, aims to reduce tensions and prevent further hostilities in the border region, according to reports from China’s Xinhua news agency.
The announcement on Monday follows a surge in hostilities between Syria and Hezbollah, after Damascus accused the group of abducting and executing three Syrian soldiers near the border. Hezbollah has denied the allegations. Syria also blamed the group for a targeted attack on journalists and for shelling a water station in western Homs, further aggravating the situation.
Earlier in the day, Syria’s defence authorities announced the launch of a security operation to clear border villages west of Qusayr, in Homs province, targeting Hezbollah positions accused of facilitating smuggling and illicit trade.
A military statement, quoted by state-run SANA news agency, confirmed that Syrian forces are focused on expelling Hezbollah fighters from Syrian territory. The group has maintained a presence in key border areas for years.
“Our priority is retaking the Syrian village of Housh al-Sayyid Ali, which has become a Hezbollah stronghold,” the statement read. Syrian forces have been instructed to strike Hezbollah positions and movements in the area to support the operation.
Lebanese health authorities reported on Monday that clashes along the Lebanese-Syrian border had resulted in seven deaths and 52 injuries over two days. Among the casualties was a 15-year-old boy.
The country’s Public Health Emergency Operations Center urged hospitals near the affected areas to provide immediate treatment to the wounded.
The Syrian military’s latest offensive indicates an escalating confrontation with Hezbollah, as the country seeks to reassert control over its border regions.
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