A number of Iranian soldiers in Lebanon defected to the Palestinian terrorists after military authorities in Teheran ordered their unit home, it was learned today. The defectors were members of Iran’s contingent in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). They include one sergeant and about a half dozen privates. All were said to be Shill Moslems. They reportedly crossed the Lines into the terrorist-held stronghold of Nabatiyeh.
Meanwhile, a group of officers of the Lebanese regular army arrived in south Lebanon yesterday and were assigned to liaison duties of UNIFIL headquarters. They were the first Lebanese army regulars posted to south Lebanon since the evacuation of Israeli forces last year. Their presence has disturbed the Christian militia which regards the Lebanese army as pro-Syrian and likely to aid the terrorists. The officers arrived by helicopter without the know ledge of the militia commanders.
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