(Daily Star-Lebanon) Nicholas Blanford - UNIFIL patrols in southern Lebanon are finding paths blocked and former temporary observation points suddenly out of bounds in standoffs with suspected members of Hizbullah. With Lebanese Army units withdrawn in response to deteriorating security situations in Tripoli, Sidon and the north, Lebanese troop strength has dwindled to an estimated 3,000 soldiers in the border district. The absence of Lebanese soldiers as interlocutors leaves UNIFIL patrols more vulnerable to intimidation by Hizbullah. Recent confrontations have spurred speculation within UNIFIL that Hizbullah may have resurrected some of its pre-2006 war military facilities in the southern border district.
2013-05-02 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive