NICOSIA Ñ Lebanon arrested thousands over the weekend in a security crackdown that was backed by Syrian intelligence.
Authorities carried out the lightning security sweep in the Beirut
area, Mount Lebanon and the northern region. Officials said 2,120 people
were arrested on Friday night alone and scores of others have been detained
since.
The United States has pressured
Lebanon to arrest scores of insurgents connected to Al Qaida, and Syria Ñ the controlling power in Lebanon Ñ is reportedly anxious about the geopolitical implications of a successful campaign against the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq.
The government in Beirut said the crackdown targeted criminals, Middle East Newsline reported. But
opposition sources said Lebanese security forces have also arrested
dissidents as well as suspected insurgents.
The weekend crackdown was carried out by 8,000 police and military
units, backed by Syrian intelligence agents. The operation began on Friday
night and recessed on Saturday morning.
Lebanese Interior Minister Elias Murr said the crackdown would continue
and that operations would be launched in other areas of Lebanon. Murr did
not elaborate.
The interior minister has already launched a security plan to fight
crime in the Beirut area. Officials said this includes the deployment of 500
police patrols and support units that could quickly respond to crime and
unrest.
Each rapid deployment unit would consist of 30 officers. Many of them
were said to be trained in counter-insurgency.
Murr said the patrols would not enter Palestinian refugee camps.
Officials said the Ein Hilwe camp outside Sidon has turned into a safe haven
for Lebanese fugitives and Al Qaida insurgents.
