A Lebanese army force entered Hosh al-Sayyid Ali in the Bekaa on Wednesday, paving the way for residents to return following recent cross-border clashes that saw Syrian forces entering the border village.

Ahead of the army's entry, a convoy of 60 Lebanese military vehicles arrived at the outskirts of Hosh al-Sayyid Ali, signaling preparations for the operation.

According to LBCI, Lebanese army troops carried out an extensive search of the area, clearing it of remnants from recent confrontations to ensure a secure return for the residents.

The army also uncovered and dismantled a stash of weapons and ammunition during the operation, the broadcaster added.

The deployment comes as part of an agreement between Lebanese and Syrian intelligence agencies, reached after a call between Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa and his Syrian counterpart Murhaf Abu Qasra. The discussions led to a ceasefire and the withdrawal of militants from both sides.

The Lebanese Army Command issued a statement indicating that a unit had shut down several illegal crossings. These included the crossing at Al-Matlabah in the Qasr-Hermel area, and the crossings at Al-Fatha, Al-Maarawiya, and Shaheit Al-Hajiri in the Al-Mashari' Al-Qaa - Baalbek region. The move was part of ongoing efforts to monitor and control the border, aiming to prevent infiltration and smuggling activities in light of the recent tensions. 

Lebanese and Syrian defense officials agreed late Monday to a ceasefire aimed at ending two days of border clashes which erupted after Syria's interim government accused militants from Hezbollah of crossing into Syrian territory on Saturday, abducting three soldiers, and killing them on Lebanese soil. Hezbollah denied any involvement, while other reports suggested the possibility of local clans in the border area playing a role, given their history of cross-border smuggling activities.

تعزيزات كبيرة للجيش اللبناني قبيل دخوله إلى قرية حوش السيد علي pic.twitter.com/dCj13QVMFS

— kataeb.org (@kataeb_Ar) March 19, 2025