Islam Times - Lebanon army enhances deployment in Syrian border

Islam Times - The northern Lebanese border with Syria has become a focal point ever since the Syrian unrest erupted around 17 months ago. Here just next door to the northern village of Wadi Khaled lies Syrian territory. The Lebanese army has enhanced its deployment in this area upon a decision by the Lebanese cabinet. The step came after armed groups launched attacks on the Syrian army from Lebanese territory, prompting the Syrian army to respond and thus resulting in Lebanese civilian casualties.

Sources from the Lebanese army said that a number of anti Syrian armed elements wounded in clashes were being treated in hospitals in Northern and also Eastern Lebanon.

The deployment of the Lebanese army here is not only essential to prevent cross border attacks but also for Lebanon’s national security. As many fear that if those instigating unrest in Syria gain a foothold in Lebanon than the unrest could spread to this country.

In the midst of the Syrian unrest Lebanese officials and even Western intelligence have pointed to the presence of Al-Qaeda and other extremist elements in Lebanon, particularly in the North. Plots by these extremists to launch attacks against the army have also been cited. But experts point to the difficulty of the task at hand for the Lebanese military given the heavy anti Assad political presence in the North.

Northern Lebanon is the hub of support for anti Syrian Lebanese groups like Al-Mustaqbal which is led by former premier Saad Hariri. It also witnessed protests demanding the release of Chadi Mowlawi, a member of Al-Qaeda who was convicted of smuggling weapons to the Syrian opposition. Mowlawi was later released upon a decision by Lebanese premier Najib Miqati.