Lebanese Army Closes Eastern and Northern Smuggling Crossings... Strengthens Measures Inside and Outside the Airport
Ministerial sources expressed their satisfaction with the substance of President al-Shara’s remarks to Al-Siyasah.
Beirut – Al-Siyasah – By Omar Al-Bardan
Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara continues to issue reassuring positions for Lebanon regarding rumors of a Syrian tendency to intervene in Lebanon against Hezbollah. Prominent Lebanese ministerial sources expressed their satisfaction with the content of President al-Shara’s recent comments, confirming to Al-Siyasah that “what was issued by the Syrian President reflects the true position of Damascus regarding all talk of Syrian intervention in Lebanon.” They stressed that “what President al-Shara said, and before him his Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani during his last visit to Beirut, confirms that Damascus is not considering any action that could lead to significant tension in relations between the two countries. This is something neither Lebanese nor Syrians desire. Consequently, Beirut is dealing with the increasing Syrian talk about the absence of any decision to militarily intervene in Lebanon against Hezbollah or others with considerable realism and seriousness.”
The ministerial sources revealed that “the visit of President Joseph Aoun to Turkey next Thursday assumes great importance amidst the delicate circumstances Lebanon and the region are going through.” They pointed out that “the visit aims to enhance the level of cooperation and coordination between the two countries, politically and economically, given a mutual desire to expand the level of trade exchange and strengthen investment opportunities between the two states. Furthermore, the Syrian file and matters related to Lebanese-Syrian relations will be a key item on the table of talks between President Aoun and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, given the latter’s close relationship with President al-Shara.”
In a related context, and as a result of intensified security coordination between Lebanon and Syria, units of the Lebanese Army, with field support from General Security Directorate patrols, executed a wide security operation to strengthen control over the northern and eastern borders, and to close tracks and dirt tunnels used in smuggling and infiltration operations along the eastern mountain range. It was learned that these unprecedented measures came within the framework of a strict field strategy adopted by the military establishment to tighten the noose on smuggling networks that exploit the rugged barren terrain and complex geographical intermingling along the border strip. This followed complaints and information from the Syrian side regarding suspicious movements behind the Lebanese border, prompting the Lebanese Army to close many illegal crossings and passages with earth barriers, specifically in the Hermel foothills, which have witnessed increasing activity in various types of smuggling operations for some time. The Syrian side showed clear firmness on the border to prevent the smuggling of weapons to Hezbollah from within Syria.
Coinciding with the closure of crossings, reconnaissance patrols by the Army Intelligence were deployed, and fixed and mobile surveillance points were established to prevent these tracks from being reopened by networks and outlaws, and to secure the border strip.
In this regard, Al-Siyasah learned that the Syrian Ministry of Interior renewed its demand for Lebanese authorities to hand over a number of officers from the former ousted regime present on Lebanese territory, including one known as Miqdad Fitayha, the founder of what is known as the “Coast Shield Brigade.” The ministry had previously confirmed that Fitayha and members of his group are currently in Lebanon. Miqdad Fitayha is considered one of the former commanders in the Syrian regime’s army and had announced the establishment of the “Coast Shield Brigade” in a video appearance. Damascus accuses Hezbollah of providing protection to officers of the ousted regime and preventing Lebanese security agencies from arresting them.
Meanwhile, following threats by Hezbollah leader Mohammad Qammati to disrupt air traffic at Rafic Hariri International Airport unless Iranian flights are allowed to resume service to Beirut, Al-Siyasa has learned that military orders were issued to bolster security measures inside and outside the airport, in anticipation of any retaliatory actions Hezbollah might undertake in response to Qammati’s threats. Similarly, military deployments have been reinforced along the airport road and its access routes, with vehicles subjected to inspections and suspicious motorcycle movements closely monitored, in order to ensure adequate protection for the airport and its surroundings, particularly given the recent surge in passenger numbers, which have reached record highs.
