UPDATE - 4 Lebanese soldiers injured in clash with ‘Syrian gunmen’ near border

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By Naim Berjawi

BEIRUT (AA) - The Lebanese army on Friday said four of its soldiers were injured during clashes with “Syrian gunmen” in the Maraboun area of Baalbek district near the border with Syria.

According to a military statement, the incident occurred while troops were shutting down an illegal border crossing.

The statement added that the four soldiers sustained moderate injuries.

"Armed individuals from Syria" attempted to reopen the crossing using a bulldozer, prompting soldiers to fire warning shots into the air, it said, adding: "The Syrian gunmen retaliated by firing at the soldiers."

The Lebanese army, however, didn't specify to which group the gunmen are affiliated.

The army said it has since heightened its military presence in the area and is closely monitoring the situation.

The Lebanon-Syria border, spanning approximately 375 kilometers, features rugged terrain with no clear demarcation in many areas. While six official border crossings exist, the region remains porous, with frequent activity at unauthorized routes.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio and Ahmed Asmar

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