A fragile ceasefire remains unstable along the Lebanese-Syrian border, with continued sporadic gunfire and suspicious military mobilizations on the Syrian side. Despite an agreement reached between Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa and his Syrian counterpart Murhaf Abu Qasra—under which Syrian militants withdrew from Lebanese territory in Hawsh al-Sayyid Ali—the militants’ systematic looting and burning of homes in the town have raised doubts about their genuine intentions. Security sources expressed skepticism, noting these destructive actions seem intended to obstruct dialogue rather than seek resolution, especially amid internal divisions among militant factions regarding adherence to the ceasefire.

The withdrawal agreement allowed the Lebanese Army to enter and conduct patrols without establishing permanent positions since the area remains classified as “disputed territory”. This arrangement reignites long-standing tensions over border demarcation, complicated by historical Lebanese property claims within Syrian territories dating back over 400 years. Approximately 30,000 Lebanese residents have been displaced by Syrian militants, while tens of thousands of Syrian Shiites fled to the northern Bekaa Valley following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8.

Meanwhile, Lebanese military intelligence facilitated a prisoner exchange at the Jousiyeh border crossing, supervised by Lebanese General Security, involving the exchange of the bodies of two Lebanese martyrs from the Madlaj clan for two militants held by Lebanese tribes. Militants still hold the bodies of two other Lebanese victims. Additionally, late-night political negotiations secured the release of 22 Lebanese civilians, including women, abducted from Al-Fadiliya in Syria, in exchange for a ransom payment of $13,500.

Clashes over the past two days have resulted in seven Lebanese deaths and 52 injuries, while security sources confirmed between 40 to 50 Syrian militants were killed.

Al Akhbar