Syria's new administration leader, Lebanese premier agree to calm following border fighting

BEIRUT

The leader of Syria's new administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati agreed Friday to restore calm on the border following clashes between Lebanese soldiers and Syrian gunmen.

Five Lebanese soldiers sustained injuries earlier in the day during border clashes with unidentified Syrian gunmen.

According to a statement by Mikati's office, both leaders spoke on the telephone to discuss the issue and relations between the two nations.

It quoted al-Sharaa who said relevant security authorities in Syria "did everything necessary to restore calm on the borders and to prevent a repetition of what happened."

Al-Sharaa extended an invitation to Mikati to visit Syria and discuss common interests, the statement added.

Earlier, Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said in a statement cited by the Lebanese state news agency, NNA, that the Syrian gunmen do not belong to the Syrian new administration.

The Lebanon-Syria border, spanning 375 kilometers (233 miles), features rugged terrain with no clear demarcation in many areas. While six official border crossings exist, the region remains porous, with frequent activity at unauthorized routes.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar