Syrian Army Seizes Border Town from Hezbollah as Lebanese President Escalates Rhetoric

A Syrian army convoy moves toward the Lebanese border following clashes with Hezbollah militants. (North Press)
A Syrian army convoy moves toward the Lebanese border following clashes with Hezbollah militants. (North Press)

By Kardo Roj 

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian army expelled Hezbollah fighters from the border town of Housh al-Sayyid Ali on Monday, securing full control of the area for the first time since 2013. The development comes amid heightened tensions between Syria and Lebanon, with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun vowing to take action against cross-border hostilities.

Local sources reported that Syrian forces successfully retook the Syrian side of Housh al-Sayyid Ali following intense clashes. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army deployed reinforcements to the nearby town of Hermel in eastern Lebanon, raising fears of further escalation.

The latest confrontations were triggered by an attack on Sunday in the al-Qasr border region, where armed Lebanese militants killed three Syrian Defense Ministry personnel. The subsequent clashes left eight Syrian soldiers dead and two civilians killed after Hezbollah forces targeted rural areas of Homs. A journalist and a cameraman were also wounded in the violence near the Zita Dam, west of the city.

In a firm statement, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared that the situation along the eastern and northeastern borders “cannot continue” and vowed decisive action.

“I have given clear orders to the Lebanese army to respond to sources of fire,” Aoun said, signaling a possible shift in Lebanon’s approach to border security.

He also contacted Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, who is currently attending the Brussels conference on Syria’s future, instructing him to engage with the Syrian delegation to “resolve the crisis as quickly as possible” while ensuring the sovereignty of both nations.

The confrontation marks a significant turning point in Syria-Lebanon relations, as Damascus asserts greater control over border regions long influenced by Hezbollah. The Syrian military’s actions suggest a broader effort to reclaim strategic areas near Lebanon, potentially altering the balance of power in the region.

With both Syrian and Lebanese forces reinforcing their respective positions, the coming days will be critical in determining whether the situation stabilizes or further escalates into a broader conflict.