The reinforcement effort was launched amid Iranian- and Syrian-sponsored
efforts to send thousands of Palestinians and others to infiltrate the
border with Israel. The sources said the regime of Syrian President Bashar
Assad could increase unrest along the Israeli border in an effort to divert
international attention from the revolt in Syria.
The Aug. 11 military statement said combat engineering forces conducted
the mine-laying operation during daylight, Middle East Newsline reported. The military said the mines were
placed in the area between the security fence and the so-called Alpha line
that marks the Israel-Syria border.
In May, about 1,000 Palestinians infiltrated Israel from Syria. The
sources said the Israeli mines, most of them planted nearly 40 years ago,
did not work, and the Palestinians easily crossed into the Golan Heights.
A combat engineering officer said the new mines were meant to bolster
the border with Syria. The officer said the new mines would help prevent
Palestinian and other infiltration.
"Additionally, anti-tank minefields in the area will soon be upgraded,"
the statement said.
ShareThis
