Syrian Military Operation in North Lebanon a Possibility
The European Union issued a report Monday, September 15, affirming the acceptability of potential Syrian involvement in north Lebanon to combat Islamist fundamentalist groups. According to the report, the northern areas of Lebanon have become a stronghold for fundamentalist groups and fighters, and pose a growing threat, particularly to poor Sunni communities in the area. In response to mounting concern over the issue, the EU has announced it would accept a joint Syrian-Lebanese military operation should the situation deteriorate in the north.
The EU report coincided with a statement by the Lebanese denying any current Syrian operations in the north. An Israeli report had claimed that two Syrian commando battalions were stationed in the area, but Lebanese officials firmly denied the statement, simply saying that “the reports are not true.”
Stefanie Demetriades
