Fierce clashes broke out along the Syrian-Lebanese border near Hermel, particularly in the town of Hawik, between local clans and the Syrian forces composed of members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
According to a report from Lebanon’s LBCI Group, the clashes left at least three Lebanese fighters and one Syrian combatant dead.
According to LBCI, tensions in Hawik escalated after HTS fighters set fire to a house and looted several others, triggering an exchange of fire that forced most residents to flee toward Lebanese territory.
The conflict intensified further when Lebanese tribal groups captured two fighters from HTS. In response, HTS reportedly detained 16 women and children from a neighboring village.
On Friday, under the supervision of the Lebanese Armed Forces, both sides agreed to release their captives in a deal brokered at the Jusiyah border crossing.
The Syrian operation in Hawik is part of the new administration’s crackdown on suspected smuggling routes used by Hezbollah and local Lebanese clans. Since taking power in December, Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa—formerly an HTS leader—has prioritized securing the country’s borders and reducing Hezbollah-aligned networks’ influence.
In early January, Syrian officials imposed new entry restrictions on Lebanese citizens, further straining relations between Beirut and Damascus. The restrictions, reportedly temporary, followed allegations of mistreatment of Syrian travelers by Lebanese authorities.
