Syrian intelligence raids Lebanon's Bekaa Valley in aftermath of assassination
Thursday, February 21, 2008 Free Headline Alerts
NICOSIA — Syrian special operations forces conducted an attack in the Lebanese town of Qaa in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanese security sources said.
The Syrian raid came amid heightened unrest in Lebanon in wake of the assassination of Hizbullah operational chief Imad Mughniyeh on Feb. 12.
The Syrian force was was led by officers from Syrian intelligence, backed by the Border Guards, or Al Hajana. The sources said the assault took place around Feb. 18, and targeted the home of Hussein Ali Al Didda, a 41-year-old Lebanese national.
The Beirut-based daily An Nahar said the Syrian force shot and injured Al Didda, Middle East Newsline reported. The newspaper said the reason for the Syrian raid was not known.
Al Didda was said to have been injured in the shoulder, waist and arm. He was taken to Rayan Hospital for treatment.
The sources said Syrian agents frequently raid Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, which contains bases of Hizbullah and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command. They said Syria also maintains troops in a sliver of territory claimed by Lebanon.
Saudi Arabia, the leading financier of the Sunni community, has warned its nationals not to travel to Lebanon.
"The Foreign Ministry advised Saudi citizens not to travel to Lebanon amid the currently unstable political and security circumstances," the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "This is to ensure safety and security and prevent being exposed to any harm. The ministry called on Saudis in Lebanon to take precautions and care in their movements."