Damascus, Syria. Syria has reinforced its border with Lebanon with rocket units and thousands of troops, eight Syrian and Lebanese sources said on Tuesday, as conflict spread in the region including between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Sources and timing of the deployment
The sources included five Syrian military officers, a Syrian security official and two Lebanese security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. The Syrian officers said the reinforcement operation began in February but sped up in recent days.
The Syrian and Lebanese armed forces did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Stated objectives and areas of increased presence
Syrian military officers, including a senior member of the military, said the move was aimed at preventing arms and drugs smuggling and blocking Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah or other militants from infiltrating Syria.
A Syrian officer told Reuters that military formations from several Syrian army divisions, including the 52nd and 84th Divisions, have expanded their presence along the border in western Homs countryside and south of Tartus. The reinforcements include infantry units, armored vehicles and short-range Grad and Katyusha rocket launchers, the officer said.
Official stance and external concerns
A Syrian security official said Damascus had no plans for military action against any neighboring country. “But Syria is prepared to deal with any security threat to itself or its partners,” he said.
The move has fueled concern among some European and Lebanese officials over a possible incursion, according to the sources. Syrian military officers denied any such plans, saying Syria wants balanced relations with its neighbor after decades of strained ties linked to Syria’s influence in Lebanon and Hezbollah’s support for the former government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during a 14-year civil war.
Background on Syria’s past military presence in Lebanon
Syria had troops stationed in Lebanon from 1976 until 2005, including during Lebanon’s civil war that ended in 1990.
How do you think the border reinforcements could affect Syria’s relations with Lebanon?