US encouraged Syria to consider deployment to eastern Lebanon
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United States has encouraged Syria to consider sending forces to eastern Lebanon to assist in disarming Hezbollah, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing informed sources.
According to the report, Damascus has been hesitant to approve the proposal, citing concerns over being drawn into a broader Middle East conflict and the risk of inflaming sectarian tensions.
Two Syrian officials and two other sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters that the idea was first raised during meetings between US and Syrian officials last year. The proposal was reportedly revisited by US officials as Washington and Israel launched military operations against Iran.
The sources added that a US request was made shortly before the outbreak of the conflict, while a Western intelligence source indicated it came immediately after hostilities began.
A senior Syrian official told Reuters that Damascus and its Arab allies agreed Syria should remain outside the war and limit its actions to defensive measures.
The same official stated that Washington had given preliminary approval for a potential operation in eastern Lebanon aimed at assisting Lebanese authorities in disarming Hezbollah when conditions allow. However, Syrian officials expressed concerns over possible Iranian missile attacks and the risk of unrest among the Shiite minority, which could undermine stability efforts in Syria.
Two Western diplomats also confirmed to Reuters that Washington had approved the concept of a cross-border Syrian military operation targeting Hezbollah.
A Western intelligence source and a European official said the United States had urged the Syrian army to take a more active role in confronting Hezbollah in Lebanon, including the possibility of advancing eastward.
In its report, Reuters quoted a Syrian military official as saying that no final decision has been made regarding any potential operation inside Lebanon. The option of intervention remains under consideration in the event of a conflict between the Lebanese state and Hezbollah.