In a dramatic turn of events, Shia clans in Syria are relocating to Lebanon following days of heavy bombardment in the border region. The intense clashes between Lebanese forces and the new Syrian army have left many civilians seeking safety across the border.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that drones and heavy weaponry have been deployed in recent skirmishes, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries. The conflict has also led to the kidnapping of both troops and civilians, with prisoner exchanges becoming a grim reality on both sides.
The unrest began in the Qusayr area of Syria's western Homs governorate. Syrian forces, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched an offensive in Hawik, a town predominantly inhabited by Lebanese residents. This move has significantly heightened tensions in the region, prompting Shia communities to seek refuge in neighboring Lebanon.
As the situation unfolds, both military and civilian lives continue to be affected, highlighting the fragile stability in the Syria-Lebanon border area. The international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
