Joint Security Force Begins to Deploy in Miyeh Miyeh

A 45-member Palestinian joint security force began deploying on Tuesday at the camp of Miyeh Miyeh in the southern city of Sidon as part of efforts by the Palestinian factions to increase security in shantytowns across Lebanon.

The decision by the Higher Palestinian Security Committee to scale up a security plan at the camps began last year camp when a 150-member force deployed in Ain el-Hilweh that lies near Sidon.

The joint force, which is led by Maj. Gen. Munir Maqdah, a senior Fatah official, is also expected to deploy in other camps.

By long-standing convention the Lebanese army does not enter the camps, leaving security inside to the Palestinians themselves.

There have been several reports that the camps have become a safe haven for extremists.

Several wanted terrorists, including Shadi al-Mawlawi and Osama Mansour, are allegedly hiding in Ain el-Hilweh.

G.K.

H.K.