Syria’s Defense Ministry on Sunday accused Hezbollah of ambushing and executing three Syrian soldiers near the Lebanese border, sparking tensions between the neighboring countries.

Syria's state-run SANA news agency reported that Hezbollah fighters ambushed the soldiers near the Zeita Dam, west of Homs, before taking them into Lebanese territory and killing them. The Syrian Defense Ministry warned that this "dangerous escalation" would not go unanswered.

In response, Hezbollah issued a statement denying "any involvement in the events that occurred on the Lebanese-Syrian border," adding that it has "no connection to any events occurring within Syrian territory."

Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported that rockets fired from Syria struck the Lebanese village of Al-Qasr near the border. A Lebanese security source told AFP that the tensions began after three Syrian General Security personnel crossed into Lebanese territory at Al-Qasr, where they were shot at by local gunmen affiliated with a family involved in smuggling.

On Monday, the Lebanese Army Command confirmed that two Syrians were killed and another wounded near the Lebanese-Syrian border in the vicinity of Al-Qasr – Hermel. The injured individual was transported to a hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries. In response, the army implemented exceptional security measures, conducted intensive communications from the night of March 16–17, 2025, until the early morning hours, and handed over the three bodies to Syrian authorities.

According to the army’s statement, Lebanese villages and towns in the area came under shelling from Syrian territory. Lebanese army units returned fire, reinforced their deployment, and worked to maintain security in the area. Communication between the army command and Syrian authorities is ongoing to ensure security and stability along the border, the statement concluded.

The LBCI broadcaster reported that the Lebanese army has strengthened its presence along the northeastern border, conducted artillery strikes on militant targets overnight, and deployed reconnaissance aircraft to prevent infiltration attempts.

The border region has long been a flashpoint, characterized by rugged mountains, valleys, and plains with no clear demarcations. The area has witnessed repeated skirmishes involving Syrian and Lebanese factions, and additional armed groups have been observed mobilizing in the region, with reports of reinforcements arriving from Idlib and the Al-Ghab Plain.

Cross-border artillery fire has intensified, with shells originating from the Qusayr countryside in Syria striking Al-Qasr and nearby areas in Lebanon. There have also been reports of Grad rockets impacting Hermel, further heightening concerns about the security situation. Meanwhile, guided missile strikes have targeted vehicles along the border, contributing to the rising instability.