Shia groups quit Syria for Lebanon amid escalating border clashes

Shia clans in Syria say they are leaving the country for Lebanon, after days of bombardment in the border region between Lebanese forces and the new Syrian army.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claims drones and heavy weapons have been used in recent clashes, that have reportedly left several people dead and injured. Troops and civilians on both sides have allegedly been kidnapped and traded in prisoner exchanges.  

The clashes began in the Qusayr region of Syria's western Homs governorate. Fighting has seen Syrian forces, under the control of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which ousted former President Bashar al Assad in December, launch an offensive in the Lebanese majority border town of Hawik.  

Towns in Lebanon 'attacked'

In a statement on X, one Shia clan said it had withdrawn inside Lebanese borders "to avoid any friction", adding "that did not help us, as our towns inside Lebanon were attacked." Lebanon's army has reinforced troop cover in the north east of the country claiming it is responding to "shelling and gunfire …launched from Syrian territory." 

Syria's interim government, which is set to take full control of the country on March 1, has confirmed that an "extensive campaign" is underway, but denies deliberately targeting Lebanon itself. The Syrian Ministry of Defense claims it is seeking to curb militia groups, backed by Lebanese Hezbollah, that it blames for cross border drug and arms smuggling, with raids in Hawik leading to multiple arrests and the seizure of contraband goods. 

'Comprehensive plan'

Last week Lebanese President Joseph Aoun agreed in a phone call with his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa to "coordinate efforts to control the situation and prevent attacks on civilians." Tensions remain high in the border region where Shia tribes loyal to Lebanon straddle both sides of the divide.   

Lieutenant Colonel Moayed al-Salama of the Syrian Army claims "a comprehensive plan to fully control the borders" is underway. Nadim Madkhana, the head of border security for Lebanon's Homs province, has said security operations focused on "regaining control (are) nearly finished." 

Since the collapse of the Assad regime, tensions between Syria and Lebanon have been rising, with clashes at several points along the mountainous border in the northern Hermel region.

After taking power, the interim HTS backed government moved swiftly to restrict the free movement of Lebanese citizens into Syria, blocking access for all except those with residency permits, Syrian spouses or with special permission to travel. Some of these restrictions have since been eased.