With just a week remaining before the extended ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel is set to expire, attention is centered on security in the south, security concerns have shifted to Lebanon’s northeastern border with Syria, where clashes have erupted between Syrian forces, Hermel tribal groups, and Hezbollah-affiliated fighters. This marks the first such confrontation since the fall of the Syrian regime and the rise of President Ahmad Al-Sharaa. 

The recent border clashes have sparked speculation about whether they are merely an effort to combat smuggling or part of a larger strategic realignment by Damascus. While smuggling operations—ranging from weapons to illicit drugs like captagon—have long plagued the region, sources suggest that the new Syrian administration is pursuing a more assertive border policy.

Annahar cited sources as saying that the new Syrian administration appears determined to assert full control over its borders. Al-Sharaa has reportedly committed to measures aimed at facilitating Syria’s reintegration into the Arab fold and the international community, particularly the United States. By strengthening border security, Damascus seeks to demonstrate its willingness to prevent its territory from being used for illicit smuggling—not only for Hezbollah but also for other groups operating between Lebanon and Syria.

Beyond weapons and financial flows, Syria’s crackdown also targets the illicit drug trade, particularly the trafficking of captagon, which has been a source of tension with Arab countries.

For Lebanon, the border clashes have highlighted the delicate role of the Lebanese army in maintaining security under increasingly complex conditions. While the army has engaged in border operations, it is awaiting formal political authorization from the government to intensify efforts to curb arms and drug smuggling. Military officials remain cautious, recognizing the risks of being drawn into direct confrontations with Syrian forces without a clear mandate from the Lebanese executive authority.

In a recent announcement, the Lebanese army’s command stated that its northern and eastern border units had been instructed to respond to any sources of fire, following directives from the Lebanese president. Military sources emphasize that Lebanon’s official stance is aligned with Syria’s in seeking to prevent the use of its territory for targeting Arab states or facilitating illicit transactions. This issue was reportedly discussed in a recent call between the Lebanese president and President Al-Sharaa, with Syrian forces successfully thwarting multiple smuggling attempts across illegal crossings as part of this coordination.

Despite these measures, concerns persist that clashes in the north could escalate at a critical moment, coinciding with the upcoming expiration of the ceasefire agreement in the south. With Israel continuing its military operations and seeking an extension for its withdrawal, the Lebanese army faces growing pressure as its forces are stretched between deployments in the north and south, all while operating with limited resources.

Nevertheless, military sources stress that Lebanon has taken concrete steps to reinforce control over its border crossings. These efforts are seen as a crucial measure to reassure Israel that Hezbollah’s supply lines have been severed, preventing its rearmament and ensuring full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.