U.S. Condemns Syrian Incursions in Lebanon, Killing of Dissidents
The United States on Monday condemned the Syrian army's incursions into Lebanon and suggested that dissidents of the Damascus regime had either been killed or taken prisoner at the border.
"Over the course of the last few weeks, it appears Syrian forces have entered Lebanese territory," a State Department spokesman told reporters, denouncing the move and calling on Syria to respect Lebanon's sovereignty.
"We are also deeply concerned by indications that Syrian dissidents may have been captured and possibly killed during operations near the border."
Lebanese officials estimate that 5,000 Syrians, including deserting soldiers and opposition members, have sought refuge in Lebanon since the uprising against President Bashar Assad erupted in March.
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon last week called on Syria to end incursions into Lebanon after Syrian troops shot three of its citizens dead near the border, warning that such raids could ignite tensions in the region.
On Monday, a Syrian army unit entered the town of Hnaider in Wadi Khaled in northern Lebanon and opened fire at alleged smugglers.
Over the past few weeks, Syrian troops have entered, on separate occasions, the eastern Bekaa towns of Arsal and al-Qaa.
Source: Agence France Presse
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