[New York Times] Ethan Bronner - Hamas is engaged in the broadest and most significant military buildup in its history with help from Syria and Iran, according to a study by the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, an independent research group with close ties to the Israeli military. Although the buildup will take some years to complete, it is in an intensive phase that has already led to better infiltration into Israel and a rise in the breadth and precision of rocket fire. Hamas has obtained advanced anti-tank devices like those used by Hizbullah against Israel in its war in 2006, as well as powerful roadside bombs for use against Israeli vehicles. Hundreds of fighters have been trained in Iran, Lebanon and Syria. The study asserts that any kind of truce would allow Hamas to build its military structure further. It also says the military buildup is being run largely from Damascus.
2008-04-10 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive