Several militants have been killed during clashes between the Syrian Sunni, Al-Qaeda offshoot Al-Nusra Front and Lebanese Shia group Hezbollah.

According to reports from local press in Lebanon, the clashes began after gunmen from Syria fired shots into Lebanon. Hezbollah officials have stated that at least two of its militants and at least 16 Al-Nusra Front fighters were killed during the exchange.

The Syrian conflict has had a significant impact on neighbouring Lebanon’s economy and stability, with GDP growth slowing sharply since the uprising against Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad began in March 2011.

The number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon has surpassed 1 million, putting increasing pressure on important resources such as potable water.