The US is reportedly pushing Syria to send forces into eastern Lebanon to attack Hezbollah, but Damascus is hesitant to undertake such an operation over concerns about being drawn into the war and inflaming sectarian tensions, Reuters said, citing five sources familiar with the matter.
According to Reuters, the idea was first discussed by US and Syrian officials last year, and was raised again by US officials around the time Washington and “Israel” began their war against Iran. Sources told Reuters that Syria’s government considered a cross-border operation cautiously but remained reluctant.
Despite tensions with Lebanese Resistance Hezbollah and Iran, both of which supported Bashar al-Assad during the war on Syria, President Ahmad al-Sharaa has acted cautiously since US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28. Syrian authorities have deployed rocket units and thousands of troops along the Lebanese frontier, framing these measures as defensive. Al-Sharaa has advanced normalisation with “Israel” since taking power in December, and has actively acted against anti-“Israel” Resistance groups in Syria.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held a bilateral call with al-Sharaa and a trilateral call with France’s president, during which al-Sharaa said that Syria respects Lebanese sovereignty and has no plans to attack. Lebanon coordinates with Syria on border arrangements, but has never discussed Hezbollah with Damascus. Lebanon’s military stressed that coordination channels remain open strictly for border security and common security challenges, aimed at preventing incidents and maintaining stability.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam confirmed that al-Sharaa told him the military reinforcement along the border “aims solely to strengthen border control and maintain internal Syrian security,” emphasising the importance of continued coordination. Al-Sharaa reportedly expressed support for President Aoun’s disarmament efforts.
A record of incursions and clashes
This time last year, President Joseph Aoun directed the military to respond to any fire along the country’s northern and eastern borders with Syria, following a series of violent clashes involving Lebanese soldiers, Syrian forces, and armed groups in northeastern Lebanon.
Forces aligned with the Syrian government had previously shelled areas on the outskirts of Hermel and fired at al-Qaa Valley in eastern Lebanon using medium-range weapons from the direction of the Syrian town of Jousieh, prompting Aoun to send Lebanese Army reinforcements to the site.
The escalation began after three armed individuals from Syria reportedly infiltrated the Lebanese border town of al-Qasr near Hermel. Residents confronted the group, killing two and injuring the third. In response, Syrian forces bombarded several villages on the Lebanese side, leading the Lebanese Army to retaliate with “appropriate weapons” while reinforcing its presence in the region.
Syrian concerns over Iranian retaliation and internal unrest
A senior Syrian official told Reuters that Washington had given the green light for a potential attack against Lebanon when conditions allow. However, Damascus sees significant risks, including possible Iranian missile strikes and unrest among minority Shia communities, which could further destabilise Syria after sectarian violence last year targeted against Alawites and Druze.
Two Western diplomats confirmed to Reuters that Washington had approved the idea of a Syrian cross-border operation against Hezbollah, while a Western intelligence source and a European official said the US had encouraged Syria to take a more active role countering Hezbollah, potentially including an incursion into eastern Lebanon. Syrian leadership, however, remains wary of inflaming bilateral tensions with Lebanon.
A Syrian military official told Reuters there is no final decision on a cross-border operation, but Syria has left the option open in the event of a conflict between the Lebanese State and the Resistance.
Historical context and border tensions
Syria maintained significant influence over Lebanon under the Assad regime, deploying forces in 1976 during Lebanon’s civil war and influencing Lebanese politics until its withdrawal in 2005. Any intervention today could aggravate sectarian tensions across Syria and Lebanon, which host diverse communities including Sunnis, Christians, Druze, and Shiites.
In a March 13 interview with Lebanese broadcaster MTV, Syrian Defence Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Hassan Abdel Ghani described the border buildup as “defensive”, noting high levels of coordination with the Lebanese Army. He added that al-Sharaa supports the establishment of “Lebanese state authority over Lebanon.”
Last week, the Syrian army reported that Hezbollah artillery shells landed in a border village. Hezbollah stated it had repelled an Israeli attempt to infiltrate Lebanon in the same area, while Israeli officials claimed they were unaware of such an operation. The Syrian army stated it was “considering appropriate options to take the necessary actions” in response.
Iraqi Resistance warns al-Sharaa: Attack on Lebanon means war
The Islamic Resistance Coordination Committee in Iraq warned Syria’s transitional leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, against any hostile action toward Lebanon.
In a statement, the Committee cautioned al-Sharaa that any attack against Lebanon coordinated with the US-Zionist enemy, under any pretext, would be considered a declaration of war on the Axis of Resistance.
The Coordination Committee also said that the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which previously fought US occupation forces and ISIS militants, has the capability to confront any attempt to target the Resistance or Hezbollah.
The group added that it is closely monitoring the coordination between the new authorities in Syria and the enemy.
“If you dare to violate the sovereignty of Lebanon and its patient, resisting people, we will turn your land into an open battlefield of fire,” the statement added.
