Lebanese army launches operation on Syrian borders

Lebanese armed forces have launched a comprehensive operation along the country’s borders with Syria, in attempts to apprehend weapons and armed militants engaged in cross-border smuggling in recent weeks. Lebanon’s Daily Star newspaper reported a source as claiming the rebel Free Syrian Army (FSA) had taken full control of the area adjacent to Masharih al-Qaa in Syria three days ago, with the aim of facilitating the transfer of arms and gunmen across the border with Lebanon. In response, the Lebanese army has increased its presence in the area, and conducted several raids on specific locations. Security sources told Arabstoday preliminary operations ended up with the arrest of 10 Syrians on charges of illegal weapons possession in Masharih al-Qaa in the Bekaa Valley. An unknown number of small arms and hunting rifles were also confiscated. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton has renewed criticism of attacks launched by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s army into Lebanese territories. “[Ashton] strongly condemns the attacks on targets on Lebanese soil by the Syrian armed forces. These actions constitute a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty. Attacks against any of the neighbouring countries are unacceptable,” said a statement by Ashton’s office. “Lebanon is not party to the Syrian conflict and has publicly disassociated itself from that conflict. This needs to be respected by all sides in Syria, by all actors in Lebanon, as well as third countries,” the statement added. Earlier this week Syrian warplanes bombed Lebanese villages bordering Syria, claiming FSA forces were using the settlements to smuggle weapons and launch cross-border incursions against Assad’s regime.