Reuters: Washington presses for Syria's role against HezbollahThe United States has encouraged the Syrian interim government to send troops to eastern Lebanon to help disarm Hezbollah, informed sources told Reuters. But Damascus remains hesitant, fearing it could drag it into a regional conflict and exacerbate sectarian tensions.
According to sources, this proposal was first made last year in talks between American and Syrian officials, but was reiterated as tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran increased.
Sources said that the interim government, although carefully considering this option, is inclined to avoid any direct military intervention inside Lebanese territory. This risk increases the possibility of Iranian attacks, and internal influences that could lead to instability, especially in predominantly Shiite areas.
A senior Syrian official said that Damascus, in coordination with its Arab allies, prefers to stay out of the conflict and limit itself to defensive measures. The official explained that the military forces sent to the border with Lebanon a few weeks ago are aimed at maintaining internal security and border control.
On the other hand, Lebanon stated that there are no indications of a Syrian intervention plan and added that coordination with Damascus is limited only to border security issues and conflict prevention.
Although no final decision has been made, sources indicated that, if a direct war breaks out between the Lebanese state and Hezbollah, the option of intervention remains on the table.
The interim government blamed its own members, militants and ISIS for the Sweida massacres.The National Committee of Inquiry into the Suwayda Incidents, which was convened last July, blamed members of government forces, irregular armed groups, and ISIS gangs for the massacres in the province that resulted in the deaths of more than 1,700 people, including nearly 300 executions..
In a press conference today, the committee alleged that some members of government forces, irregular armed groups, ISIS gangs, and civilians participated in the Sweida massacres and stated that it has compiled a list of their names to present to the Attorney General..
The interim government's Minister of Justice also announced that the committee's final report had been received and that his ministry would immediately take the necessary legal measures..
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