Syria 'preparing to repel Israel attacks'

Syria is conducting wide-scale military exercises in preparation for an Israeli strike which might be combined with an attack on Hezbollah.

Three Syrian armored divisions, nine infantry brigades and Special Forces have been deployed along the border with Lebanon's Bekaa valley. (CBN)

The Syrian army is closely monitoring the movement of Israeli forces along the northern border, the London-based al-Quds al-Arabi newspaper reported on Wednesday. In addition to the military preparations, the sources said on the condition on anonymity, that Damascus has raised its security alert level over the concerns that Israeli forces would infiltrate its territories through one of its bordering countries, mainly referring to Lebanon.

The newspaper reported that Damascus viewed the Israeli media reports and statements made by senior Israeli officials as attempts to prepare the Israeli and global public opinion for a war against Syria.

Israel has been on high alert following the end of a 40-day mourning period for Imad Mugniyah, who was killed in a Feb.12 bombing in Damascus.

According to the paper, Syrian officials believe remarks by senior Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officials and statements in the Israeli media indicate that Israel is preparing for war. (PressTV)