Terrorist Groups in South Lebanon Continue to Stock-pile Weapons

The terrorist groups in south Lebanon continue to increase their stock-pile of sophisticated weapons and currently possess more than 70 T-34 tanks and about 300 mortars, artillery pieces and rocket launchers, the Israeli Consulate in New York disclosed yesterday.

According to the Consulate report, the Palestine Liberation Organization and other terrorist groups in south Lebanon have about 100 long-range guns (130 and 155 mm); about 60 B.M.-11/21 rocket launchers and 120 and 160 mm mortars. They also possess over a hundred BTR-152, 4R-416 and 3YI Brom-2 armored personnel carriers.

The Consulate disclosed in a statement issued yesterday that the terrorists have already used some of their newly acquired sophisticated weapons in the shelling and rocket attacks on settlements and towns in the north of Israel last July. “It should be noted that the terrorists are constantly seeking to acquire new supplies that might expand their firing range to include additional settlements in the north of Israel,” the Consulate said.

In addition to obtaining new weaponry, the terrorists reinforced their units in south Lebanon, absorbing volunteers from South Yemen, Libya and Iraq, the Consulate said, adding that “leftist Lebanese groups have joined the terrorists as well.”

SIGNIFICANT INROADS BY TERRORISTS

According to the Consulate, the terrorists made significant inroads in fortifying their forces and in the field of logistics. “Reinforcement of the terrorist forces in southern Lebanon continues, especially in the area of Nabatea and Bouffer,” the Consulate charged. “This activity has included the erection of outposts, the digging of trenches, maintenance of anti-tank ditches and reinforcement of strategic positions.”

The cessation of hostilities in the area is being exploited by the terrorists for the conduct of speedy logistic operations, the Consulate said, which include “the replenishing of ammunition, food and gas for the terrorist units, as well as the stockpiling of arms brought into Lebanon. The ammunition and missiles are forwarded to supply sites in the south.”