Report: Syrian Shelling of Akkar Linked to Samaha Case, Calls for Syrian Ambassador’s Expulsion
The recent shelling of the northern region of Akkar from the Syrian side of the border is linked to the arrest of former minister Michel Samaha and the demands to expel Syrian Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdul Karim Ali, reported the daily An Nahar on Saturday.
Sources concerned with the situation explained to the daily: “No security incident preceded the shelling, which means that it is linked to the tense situation caused by the calls to expel Ali and the arrest of Samaha.”
The National News Agency reported on Friday that over 30 rockets launched from the Syrian side of the border landed in various Lebanese towns in Akkar.
An Internal Security Forces member was wounded and some houses were damaged in the attack.
“The latest incident will once again bring to the forefront Syria’s border violations against Lebanon, which will serve as another issue that the government has to deal with, especially in light of demands for the army to intensify its deployment at the border and confront the violations,” continued the sources.
Meanwhile, deputy Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal al-Muqdad told al-Manar television on Friday that he does not have details on Samaha’s arrest.
“I do know that Syria saved Lebanon from a disaster,” he added.
Samaha, who is a close ally of Damascus, and Syrian security chief Ali al-Mamlouk were recently charged with forming a gang to carry out attacks in Lebanon.
Muqdad said of the charges: “Even if Samaha confesses, the claims are fabrications and intelligence schemes aimed at tarnishing Syria’s image.”
Samaha had confessed to planning the attacks and details of investigations with him were published in the Lebanese media.
On calls for the expulsion of the Syrian ambassador, Muqdad said: “Syria agreed with Lebanon on the exchange of ambassadors a long time ago and therefore such calls must stop.”
The March 14 camp had been demanding Ali’s expulsion over the charges against Samaha and Mamlouk and other issues.
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