Palestinian Security Forces Deploy in Ain el-Hilweh

Palestinian security forces deployed on Tuesday at the southern refugee camp of Ain el-Hilweh to implement a security plan.

Their deployment came in conformity with an agreement reached on Saturday between Palestinian factions in Lebanon.

The 150-member force spread in four fixed positions - the vegetable market area, al-Barksat (in the northern part of the camp), al-Safsaf-al-Shohadaa mosque region and the Bustan al-Yahoud area.

Its main responsibility is to maintain security inside the camp, which has on several occasions witnessed clashes between rival groups.

Ain el-Hilweh, the largest Palestinian camp in the country and home to about 50,000 refugees, lies near the southern city of Sidon.

It is known to harbor extremists and fugitives because by long-standing convention the Lebanese army does not enter Lebanon's refugee camps.

G.K.

M.T.