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Syrian tanks, trucks move into Lebanon
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Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Tuesday, August 21, 2001
Syria has bolstered its military presence in Lebanon in an apparent response to increasing unrest there.
Lebanese sources said Syria moved 15 tanks and 100 military
trucks with troops and equipment from Dar Baidar to Beirut overnight.
The tensions in Lebanon been blamed on anti-Syrian activists. So far, the Lebanese
military has arrested nearly 300 Christian activists against Damascus.
Syrian agents permeate life in Lebanon
Earlier Tuesday, Lebanese reports said 75 of the Christian detainees were
released. The reports attributed the release to a government drive to ease
tensions.
The military buildup, the sources said, reverses Syria's plans in June
to decrease its military presence throughout Lebanon. Syria is reported to have up
to 30,000 troops in Lebanon.
The arrests have triggered violent attacks in the country. Two bombs
have exploded in the Beirut area over the last 12 hours. The bombs appeared
to have targeted Syrian laborers.
On Sunday, Syrian Defense Minister Mustafa Tlas expressed support for
the Lebanese military crackdown on Christian activists. Lebanese President
Emile Lahoud, selected by Damascus, ordered the campaign against the
Christians and has blamed Israel for sponsoring the anti-Syrian drive.
Syrian President Bashar Assad was not in Damascus at the time, but Syrian sources said Assad plans a major shakeup in
his regime. This includes changes in his Cabinet.
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