Syria, Lebanon leaders confer on border security after Hezbollah shelling near Damascus
LONDON— Syrian President Ahmad Al‑Sharaa and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussed border security on Tuesday after Syria accused the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah of reinforcing positions along the frontier and launching artillery strikes from Lebanese territory that landed near Serghaya, west of Damascus.
According to the Syrian Arab News Agency, Al-Sharaa raised concerns during the conversation about recent shelling near the border town and alleged movements of Hezbollah fighters near Syrian army positions. Syrian authorities said artillery fire launched from Lebanese territory had landed close to Serghaya, a town located west of the Syrian capital.
During the discussion, Al-Sharaa expressed support for efforts by the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah, describing the move as an important step toward strengthening Lebanese sovereignty and reducing the risk of wider regional instability.
The Syrian president also emphasized the need for coordinated measures between Damascus and Beirut to safeguard civilians and prevent further escalation along the border region.
The conversation between the two leaders took place as tensions across the Middle East have intensified following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran that began on Feb. 28, according to regional reports. The escalation has contributed to population movements and security concerns across neighboring states.
Thousands of Syrians who had fled to Lebanon during the 13-year Syrian civil war have returned home in recent days as the conflict expanded across parts of the region.
Israel has carried out strikes across several locations in the Middle East as hostilities involving Iran and its allies intensified. Hezbollah, a close ally of Tehran that is designated as a terrorist organization by Britain and several other countries, has also launched attacks into Israel.
Israeli forces have responded with air strikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon and southern Beirut. Israeli troops have also moved into key areas south of the Litani River amid the ongoing confrontation.
