NICOSIA — The Syrian Army has expanded its presence along the border
with Lebanon.
Lebanese sources said the Syrian Army has deployed more than 10,000
soldiers along several points of the Lebanese border. The sources said
Syrian troop concentrations were seen in northern and eastern Lebanon,
including the Bekaa Valley.
"More troops are flowing and more heavy weapons are accompanying them,"
a Lebanese security source said. "It's clearly a source of concern."
The government of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora has played down the Syrian
military buildup, Middle East Newsline reported. Lebanese government spokesmen said Damascus has assured
Beirut that the Syrian troop presence was meant merely to bolster border
security.
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But Lebanese government sources said they were concerned that Syrian
troops could invade northern Lebanon imminently. The sources said the regime
of President Bashar Assad has discussed such a military operation with both
France and the United States.
"If they invade our territory, this will have immediate repercussions on
our internal situation," a Lebanese source said. "It could turn us into an
Iraq."
The sources said the Syrian Army, which began the buildup on Sept. 21,
has deployed scores of T-72 main battle tanks and artillery along the
Lebanese border in the area of the Bekaa Valley. They said at this point the
Syrian Army has not crossed the border.
The Syrian Army has indicated its intention to remain along the border
for several months, the sources said. They said the army has constructed
barracks and other installations.
