TOUGHER NOW

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 143, 19 June 1941, Page 8

TOUGHER NOW

FIGHTING IN SYRIA

VERY FIERCE IN THE CENTRE

RAPID FLUCTUATIONS

(Rec. 2.30 p.m.) JERUSALEM, June 18, Though the weight of the Vichyforce in Syria now seems to be concentrating on the coast to meet, the threat from an Australian column pushing up through Sidon, very fierce fighting is taking place in the central sector around Jezzin and Merjiyun, says the Australian official war correspondent.

The battle line m the central sector fluctuates backwards and forwards as small mobile and armoured forces .of either side make sudden attacks and counter-attacks.

Merjiyun, which was occupied by the Australians five days ago and which was smoking under "shell-fire from Vichyite guns yesterday, was in the defenders' hands again this morning. However, the important post of Jezzin,"lo miles further north, at the end of the vital road from Sidon, was still held by the Australians. Between these points a confused series of battles was being fought.

Meanwhile, the coastal column was practically halted three miles past Sidon, although patrols are probing for some distance ahead. The function of the column at present is to guard two lateral roads against flank attacks while -the position in the central sector is .consolidated.

Further eastward Kuneitra again came into the hands of the Vichyites this morning after an attack by forces which included tanks and armoured cars.

. It was authoritatively stated in Jerusalem tonight that the Allies have recaptured Merjiyun and Kuneitra. It was added that the fighting in Syria was becoming tougher.

The Allies are now attacking Mezze, three miles west of Damascus, while from Jebel the Free French are maintaining the pressure against the Kiswe-Damascus road.

In retaking Ezra the Allies captured 150 prisoners.—U.P.A.