Moslem and Palestinian terrorist groups have begun to reorganize in areas of south Lebanon from where Israeli forces have recently withdrawn, according to sources attached to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
UNIFIL roadblocks had recently intercepted groups of Palestinians, and Sunni and Shiite Moslems belonging to the extremist Hisbullah organization attempting to transport to the area large quantities of military equipment including anti-tank guns, rocket propelled grenades, mortar bombs and shells and machineguns, according to the sources at UNIFIL headquarters at Nakoura quoted by Israel Radio.
Israel Defense Force and South Lebanon Army spokesmen reported 10 incidents directed against their troops over the weekend in the narrow security belt occupied by Israel north of the international border. There were no casualties among the Israelis, but some of the Israeli-backed SLA soldiers were slightly wounded.
Meanwhile, a fleet of 15 buses brought 478 Lebanese refugees from the village of Marjayoun, where they had sought shelter for some weeks from fighting further north, to Haifa, to board a ship to take them back by the safe sea route to Beirut.
The convoy included two empty buses in the event of a breakdown, and several ambulances carrying sick and elderly refugees. The group had to wait in Haifa for the arrival of the ferry vessel, which had been delayed in Beirut due to engine trouble. Three weeks ago, some 900 refugees were ferried from Haifa to Beirut in three Lebanese vessels.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
