Syria Strikes Lebanon Following Accusations Against Hezbollah Over Soldiers' Deaths

Cross-border clashes erupted after Syria blamed Hezbollah for the abduction and killing of three soldiers, though the group denies involvement.

The Syrian military launched rockets and artillery into northern Lebanon after accusing Hezbollah of killing three Syrian soldiers near the border.
Hezbollah denied involvement, while Syrian state media claimed the soldiers were ambushed near Homs and taken into Lebanon before being killed.
The violence highlights ongoing instability in the region, with Syria's new Islamist government confronting challenges to its authority after ousting Bashar al-Assad in December.
Lebanese border towns were shelled, prompting evacuations, while the Lebanese army deployed reinforcements and engaged in communication with Syria to reduce tensions.
The incident underscores the strained relations between Syria and Hezbollah, a former ally, as well as Lebanon's struggle to manage conflicts along its northern and southern borders.