More Syrians Cross into Northern Lebanon as Army Warns Against Instability

Around 300 Syrians, including several wounded people, crossed the illegal Munjaz Noura crossing into Lebanon’s northern district of Akkar on Monday to escape the violence in Syria, Voice of Lebanon radio station reported.

Among the injured was a woman who was taken to Rahhal hospital in the area, VDL said.

Hundreds of Syrians this month have poured into northern Lebanon on foot from villages near the border, bringing with them mattresses and other basic provisions.

Human rights activist Mustafa Osso said eight people have been killed because of violence in the Syrian border town of Tall Kalakh where witnesses reported hearing crackling gunfire and explosions.

Osso said that six people were killed on Sunday and two others — including a soldier — died in Lebanon after crossing the border for treatment.

He said military operations were continuing in the town on Monday.

The latest development came as the Lebanese army command said that the military deployed heavily along the border with Syria in the north and carried out patrols and erected checkpoints to prevent infiltration from both sides of the border.

The communiqué warned against attempts to target security in the area and put the lives of citizens on both sides of the border at risk, saying it would take legal measures against violators.

Meanwhile, dozens of Syrians who fled violence in their home towns gathered on the Lebanese side of al-Boqayah, an illegal crossing on the Syrian-Lebanese border in north Lebanon, to demand the fall of Syrian leader Bashar Assad's regime.

"The people want the fall of the regime," chanted the group, as Lebanese troops looked on.

"We don't love you, Bashar," and "Tall Kalakh, have no fear, we are with you," they shouted.(Naharnet-AFP-AP)