Syrian backers tied to Lebanese bombings

Members of a pro-Syrian political party in Lebanon are suspected of aiding in the deadly August bombings in the northern city of Tripoli, a judge said Tuesday. Military prosecutor Saqr Saqr charged Ali Eid, leader of the pro-Syrian Arab Democratic Party, and another party member with helping a Syrian national enter Lebanon and coordinate the August attacks, The Daily Star reported. More than 45 people were killed and at least 500 others were wounded in car bombings in front of Sunni mosques in the northern city of Tripoli in August. The Lebanese newspaper reported security officials believed the attack was coordinated by members of the Syrian intelligence community. Violence in Lebanon has increased since Hezbollah acknowledged this year it was fighting alongside pro-government forces in Syria. Lebanon broke free of Syrian dominance after the Cedar Revolution in 2005 though Syria's civil war threatens to ensnare the country as violence spills over the border. The Daily Star reported the security situation is tense in Tripoli following the judge's ruling. It reported several pro-Syrian groups were protesting at the Arab Democratic Party headquarters to vent frustrations. Both party members could face two years in prison if convicted on all charges. Neither suspect has been detained, The Daily Star said.