Increased Syrian Military Casualties Reported Amidst Clashes with Hezbollah on Lebanese Border

Syrian Defense Ministry sources reported an increase in Syrian military casualties during clashes with Hezbollah groups near the Lebanese border. According to a statement issued by the Syrian General Directorate of Information on March 17, 2024, at least 12 Syrian Arab Army personnel were killed on the Lebanese border. Lebanese army units have been deployed to the Syrian border following clashes that resulted in the deaths of three Syrians. The Lebanese army indicated it responded to gunfire from the Syrian side in the Hosh al-Sayed Ali area, east of Lebanon. Lebanese army command affirmed that contacts are ongoing with Syrian authorities to monitor the situation in the border region. Border villages near Syria in the Hermel district of eastern Lebanon have been exposed to shelling, resulting in casualties and property damage.