BEIRUT, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese army on Sunday said it thwarted an infiltration attempt by armed men crossing from Syria into eastern Lebanon, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.

The incident occurred before noon near the villages of Kfar Zabad and Qousaya in the Baalbek region, with the gunmen retreating into Syria after being confronted by Lebanese forces, the NNA said. The army reinforced its positions along the border to prevent further incidents.

In a separate statement, the army denied media reports that its air force had violated Syrian airspace to monitor movements of armed groups. It said units were monitoring the border and coordinating with Syrian authorities, urging outlets to rely only on official statements.

The army also said it raided illegal fuel stations used for smuggling in the Masharii al-Qaa area of Baalbek, arresting three people and seizing equipment and large quantities of gasoline and diesel.

Lebanon has already heightened security along its 375-km border with Syria, deploying airborne and border guard units at mountain paths and informal crossings. ■