The deadly clashes that erupted this week in an area between Lebanon and Syria have brought historical border issues and smuggling problems to the forefront, along with fears of possible sectarian retribution.

The defense ministers of Syria and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire on Monday, Syria’s state-run SANA news agency reported, after cross-border attacks left 10 dead and more than 50 wounded.

Lebanon's Defence Minister Michel Menassa and his Syrian counterpart Murhaf Abu Qasra agreed on a ceasefire, the Lebanese and Syrian defence ministries said in statements on Monday, as cross-border clashes in the last two days left 10 dead.