Lebanese, Syrian leaders discuss border security over phone

BEIRUT, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday spoke over phone with Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss border security, according to a statement from Lebanon's presidency.

The two leaders emphasized the need to control the Lebanese-Syrian border and prevent any security breaches from any side, the statement said.

They also said the current sensitive circumstances require enhanced coordination and consultation between the two sides.

Security concerns along the border have intensified as the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has displaced hundreds of thousands in Lebanon, raising fears of the conflict's spillover.

Syria in recent days reinforced its border with Lebanon by deploying thousands of troops and rocket units, saying the move aims to curb smuggling and prevent militant infiltration. ■