Beirut: The Lebanese army has refuted claims that it breached Syrian airspace after reports surfaced suggesting its aircraft monitored military activities beyond its borders.

According to Anadolu Agency, a military statement dismissed allegations that Lebanese air forces violated Syrian airspace to observe military movements from Syria as false. This denial comes amidst local media reports alleging that armed Syrian groups planned to infiltrate Lebanon to capture security personnel, intending to trade them for Syrian inmates held at Roumieh Prison.

The Lebanese army emphasized its ongoing vigilance and protective measures at the border. Additionally, the military has maintained communication and coordination with Syrian authorities to monitor developments.

There has been no immediate response from Syria regarding the Lebanese army's statement. The situation is further complicated by recent events in Roumieh Prison, where Osama Al-Jaour, a Syrian prisoner from Homs, died of a heart attack last Thursday. Jaour, who was sentenced to life by Lebanese authorities in 2013 for belonging to a terrorist organization, highlights ongoing tensions.

Roumieh Prison, situated east of Beirut, is notably overcrowded, housing approximately 4,000 inmates-three times its intended capacity. This includes around 2,000 Syrians detained for years without trial over accusations related to the Syrian revolution from 2011 to 2024 or for aiding opposition factions against the deposed regime of Bashar al-Assad.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has previously voiced serious concerns over Beirut's delay in addressing these issues. In July, during a meeting with a Lebanese delegation led by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, al-Sharaa underscored the gravity of the situation, as reported by Syrian media. Assad, the former leader of Syria, fled to Russia in December, marking the end of the Baath Party's long-standing regime. In January, a new transitional administration was established, led by Sharaa.