Leftists pound south Lebanon border areas

Press, 9 April 1977, Page 9

Leftists pound south Lebanon border areas

NZPA-Reuter Beirut The strategic town of Marjayoun, near the Israeli border, was bombarded by Palestinian and Leftist gunners in apparent preparation for a major Syrian-sanc-tioned offensive on Rightwing positions in Lebanon’s sensitive southern border area. Fighters in the area said Leftist-Palesti n ian troops had been joined by the Syr-ian-controlled Saiqa Palestinian commando organisation in showering heavy-calibre shells and rockets oh Marjayoun, the most important Rightist stronghold in southern Lebanon. During the last few days, Saiqa had also been involved in ground fighting and hit-and-run attacks in joint operations with Fatah, the biggest Palestinian commando group. Observers in Beirut said that Saiqa’s backing of other Palestinian guerrilla groups fighting for control of villages along the border with Israel signalled a significant change in Syria’s attitude towards parts of the Lebanese; Right. Syrian troops and Saiqa! units supported the Right in l .

tjthe later stages of the 19month Lebanese civil war . which ended in most parts 1 of Lebanon last Novembet y 15. Informed sources in Beirut said Syria was increasingly ' embarrassed by the close . links between their war-time ’ allies and Israel, which is frequently covering Rightist ■ action in southern Lebanon ‘[with concerted artillery fire ’ from positions across the ’ border. ’ Palestinian commandos in , the south partly depend on Syria n-controlled supplv ! links from the north. A sec- ' ond supply line from the southern port of Tyre to the market town of Bint Jbeil i and positions further north [ is firmly controlled by Left- ; ist-Paiestinian forces. Palestinian sources in Bei- ' rut said military reports indicated the Rightist ’ defenders of Marjayoun ' were weakening. The town was overrun by Right-wing ! forces last October after prolonged fighting and heavy , casualties. ” < According to unconfirmed ' (reports at least 25 Right--1 wingers and one Israeli have ; been taken prisoner in ac- 1 'tion along the border.