Lebanese gorges on Syrian-Lebanese border act as hostile buffer-zone

Military sources told LBCI that the mountainous region extending from Masharii al-Qaa to Arsal, going as deep as 1 kilometer into Lebanese territory constitute what has been dubbed as the battleground for the Free Syrian Army fighting against President Bashar Assad’s regime. The sources noted that this line does not include permanent military bases for the Syrian militants, but  are acting as a hostile buffer-zone whereby insurgents are moving in and out of Syria to attack Syrian Forces bases.              

In this context, the Lebanese military sources noted that three factors allow the FSA members to operate in the aforementioned region: first, the lack in precision concerning the demarcation of the border line; second, the large groves covering the region as well as rivers, houses and farms where the militants stay for short periods of time and third, the "hospitable" Lebanese environment represented by the residents who provide the FSA members with logistical help.                

Meanwhile, the Lebanese Army is trying, within its capacity to control the borderline despite its volatility, with the deployed army forces.       

It is worth mentioning that the first incident reported with the Free Syrian Army took place 15 kilometers away from the border, at al-Mahatta checkpoint, Ras Baalbek, whereby the army intercepted a pickup truck with FSA members holding Regime forces hostage on board.                  

The second incident was reported in Wadi al-Chahout, Arsal, one kilometer away from the border, where the Lebanese army clashed with Syrian militants.

However, the third accident took place in Kherbet Daoud, 5 kilometers away from the border and also included clashes with the Lebanese army.

For full LBCI report, please click on the link above