El Fatah Disarming Its Men in Lebanon; Arafat Purging ‘bogus Guerrillas’

El Fatah, the largest Palestinian guerrilla organization, announced in Beirut yesterday that it would disarm its men in Lebanon and close down its four offices located in refugee camps in that country. The announcement was made by Abu Ayad, the second in command of El Fatah who said the move was aimed at closer cooperation with the Lebanese government. The Lebanese border has been the most active since the cease-fire between Israel, Egypt and Jordan went into effect last August. Terrorist attacks on Israeli border villages have increased in recent weeks. Israeli commanded Raiding terrorist bases in Yaatar village 10 days ago, destroyed four houses and killed an unspecified number of guerrillas. One Israeli soldier was killed. An Israeli military source said yesterday that at least 20 guerrillas have been killed in recent clashes along the Lebanese frontier.

The announcement that El Fatah would disarm its men in Lebanon was attributed by some observers here in part to the heavy casualties they have suffered. But the announcement came as a surprise. The guerrillas, who are opposed to any political settlement with Israel, were expected to step up their activities as the resumption of the Jarring peace talks approached, Just as they attempted to sabotage the talks last September. Lebanon and Syria have become the main staging areas for the guerrillas since Jordanian forces effectively repressed the Palestinians during the civil war in Jordan last September. El Fatah leader Yassir Arafat arrived unexpectedly in Beirut Saturday. According to reliable sources he will supervise a purge of what has been described as “bogus guerrillas” and elements that have undermined the commando image and threatened a crisis with Lebanese authorities.