The Syrian Defense Ministry said it was strengthening security along the border with Lebanon due to the escalating conflict in the region, Reuters reported, BTA reported.
The defense ministry issued a statement today, stating that the Syrian army was deploying additional units along the borders with Lebanon and Iraq as a measure for "protection and control… in the context of the escalating regional conflict".
Syrian army officials told Reuters that the operation to strengthen border security began in February but has accelerated in recent days. According to military officials, the goal is to prevent the smuggling of weapons and drugs, as well as to hinder the Iranian-backed Lebanese Shiite group "Hezbollah" and other fighters to infiltrate Syria.
A Syrian officer told Reuters that units from several Syrian army divisions had expanded their presence along the border in western Homs province and south of Tartus. Additional infantry units, armored vehicles and short-range rocket launchers had been sent to these areas.
The army official said Damascus had no plans for military action against any of its neighbors. "But Syria is ready to deal with any threat to its security or the security of its partners," he added.