BEIRUT, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Gunfire and shelling from Syrian territory hit the Lebanese border town of Hosh Al-Sayyid Ali on Thursday during a local funeral, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported, amid rising regional tensions.

The attack originated from Syria's Al-Qusayr countryside and struck areas north of Hermel, near Lebanon's eastern border, according to the NNA. It targeted residents mourning a local casualty from previous attacks, though no additional deaths or injuries were reported.

The Lebanese army said on Wednesday it had increased patrols and checkpoints along the border in coordination with Syrian authorities to "preserve stability," according to a statement on its official X account.

The incident comes days after Syria's state media reported that Damascus and Lebanon's Defense Ministry had agreed to halt hostilities along their shared border and strengthen military coordination. However, on Sunday, the Syrian military authorities accused Hezbollah of abducting and killing three of its soldiers, claiming they were taken into Lebanese territory. Hezbollah denied the allegations, calling them "baseless."

The Lebanon-Syria border has long been a flashpoint for instability, with frequent reports of smuggling and armed activity. Earlier this year, Syrian security forces launched operations against smugglers and opposition groups in western Homs province as part of efforts to secure the frontier.

There was no immediate comment from Syria's interim authorities on Thursday's shelling. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)