Clashes broke out on Friday between the Lebanese Army and armed Syrian individuals in the Maaraboun border area, following the military’s efforts to close an illegal crossing.

According to a statement by the Lebanese Army Command, soldiers were attempting to block the unauthorized crossing in the Baalbek district when a group of Syrians tried to reopen it using a bulldozer. Army personnel fired warning shots into the air, which prompted the Syrians to return fire, injuring one soldier. A skirmish ensued, leading to heightened military measures in the area. The army stated it is following up on the incident.

Al-Jadeed reported three minor injuries among the ranks of the Lebanese army.

Local sources told Nidaa Al-Watan that cross-border clashes have been ongoing since midday, with artillery fire exchanged between the Lebanese Army and armed Syrians. The attackers’ identity remains unknown, with speculation suggesting they could be either members of the militant group "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham" or residents of the Syrian border village of Serghaya.

The clashes reportedly erupted after the Lebanese Army began placing concrete barriers along the border.

Syrian sources from Qalamoun told MTV that the events unfolding in Maaraboun involve the Lebanese army and a group of smugglers adversely affected by tightened border controls following the fall of the Assad regime they were affiliated with.

In response to the escalating violence, the army has deployed reinforcements from its elite Airborne Regiment to the area and used artillery to suppress the attackers.