Lebanon's rapprochement with Syria leads to influx of weapons

GeoStrategy Direct ^ | 4/16/2010 | GeoStrategy Direct

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Lebanon faces rising unrest amid renewed Syrian dominance. Officials said the restoration of Syrian ties with Lebanon has increased the flow of heavy weapons and equipment to militias linked to the regime of President Bashar Assad. They said this has sparked unrest in several areas of Lebanon, particularly Tripoli, Tyre and the Bekaa Valley.

"The pro-Syrian forces in Lebanon have become bolder and more aggressive," an official said.

On April 8, a battle was fought in the Bekaa Valley between factions of the Syrian-sponsored Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command. Officials said Syrian-trained and equipped Palestinian fighters employed rocket-propelled grenades and automatic light weapons around their base at Ein Al Bayda. The fighting, which took place near the Syrian border, led to the flight of hundreds of Lebanese residents.

"Armed clashes broke out with men in the base after which four of the [PFLP-GC] militants were arrested," the Lebanese Internal Security Forces said.

The Bekaa contains bases of several Syrian-aligned militias. They included Fatah Al Intifada and PFLP-GC, with their facilities located near those of the Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah.

PFLP-GC has been regarded as the most aggressive of the pro-Syrian militias. The faction, led by former Syrian Army Capt. Ahmed Jibril maintains bases in the Bekaa as well as in Nehmeh, south of Beirut.

"PFLP-GC and Fatah Al Intifada are the only Palestinian factions allowed to maintain bases outside of refugee camps," the official said. "This is turning into a source of great tension with neighboring residents."

Officials said PFLP-GC has been racked by internal unrest. They cited a rivalry between the so-called Abu Khader and Abu Hassan factions over control of Ein Al Bayda.

[crazydad]

So we are going to start hearing about the peaceful mooslims killing christians again in Lebanon. Oh lord Jesus save our world from this plague on civilization.