Syria reinforces Lebanon, Iraq borders with troops
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syria has deployed thousands of troops and rocket units along its border with Lebanon, Syrian and Lebanese security sources told Reuters on Tuesday, as regional tensions escalate amid renewed hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel.
In a statement, the Syrian Ministry of Defense said the army had reinforced its positions along Syria’s borders with Lebanon and Iraq to “protect and control the borders amid the escalating regional conflict.”
The ministry added that the units deployed belong to border guard and reconnaissance battalions tasked with monitoring cross-border activity and combating smuggling.
Eight Syrian and Lebanese sources, including five Syrian military officers, a Syrian security official and two Lebanese security officials, told Reuters that the reinforcements also include rocket units and thousands of troops.
According to Syrian officers, the deployment began in February but accelerated in recent days as tensions increased in the region.
A Syrian officer said formations from several army divisions, including the divisions 52 and 84, have expanded their presence along the border in the western countryside of Homs and south of Tartus.
The reinforcements reportedly include infantry units, armored vehicles, and short-range Grad and Katyusha rocket launchers.
Syrian officials said the move aims to prevent arms and drug smuggling and block fighters affiliated with Hezbollah or other militants from infiltrating Syrian territory.
A Syrian security official told Reuters that Damascus has no plans to launch military operations against neighboring countries.
“But Syria is prepared to deal with any security threat to itself or its partners,” the official said.
The deployment has raised concerns among some European and Lebanese officials about a potential Syrian incursion into Lebanon. Syrian military sources strongly denied such plans, saying Damascus seeks balanced relations with Beirut.