US presses Syria to act against Hezbollah in Lebanon

Washington is pressing Damascus to play a more active role in Lebanon and help weaken Hezbollah, according to Reuters. The US envoy denied the report.

The Syrian leadership appears hesitant, fearing that military intervention could escalate the conflict and undermine the fragile stability that followed years of civil war.

Although the Syrian government is considering various scenarios, for now it is sticking to a more defensive strategy. It has deployed thousands of troops and missile units along the border with Lebanon while stressing coordination with the Lebanese army.

At the same time, President Ahmed al-Shara has declared his respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty.

(reuters, mja)