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The circumstances of the incident
On January 3, 2025, in the mountainous region of Deir al-Achayer, an armed incident broke out between the Lebanese army and a Syrian armed group. The clash began when Lebanese soldiers attempted to close an illegal border crossing used for smuggling goods. During this operation, an excavator, driven by Syrian individuals, attempted to reopen the crossing, prompting warning shots from Lebanese soldiers. These warnings were followed by heavy exchanges of fire, causing the injury of a Lebanese soldier.
Reinforcements and military response
In response to the escalation, the Lebanese army mobilized reinforcements, including specialized units from the airborne regiment. The use of artillery fire was reported to repel the attackers, believed to be affiliated with Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an armed organization active in the region. The military engagement continued for several hours, leading to a withdrawal of armed groups towards Syrian areas close to the border.
Timeline of major events
| Hour | Event |
|---|---|
| Morning | The Lebanese army blocks an illegal crossing in Deir al-Achayer. |
| 10h30 | An excavator tries to reopen the passage, initial confrontation. |
| Afternoon | Intensive exchanges of fire, intervention of Lebanese reinforcements. |
| Soirée | Stabilization of the situation after the withdrawal of the attackers. |
A hotspot for smuggling
Deir al-Achayer is a strategic site on the Syrian-Lebanese border. Used as a corridor for illegal activities, this area is known for trafficking in fuel, weapons and sometimes even fighters. According to estimates, almost 25% of cross-border smuggling passes through this region due to its difficult access for Lebanese authorities. These illegal crossings pose a constant challenge to the army, which must deal with limited resources in the face of complex geography.
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