Syrian soldiers have been deployed near the southwestern border with Lebanon

Reports on 8 October 2008 indicate that an unknown number of Syrian soldiers have been deployed near the southwestern border with Lebanon. Eyewitnesses in Lebanon stated that several military encampments and vehicles could be seen just across the border in Syrian territory. Although there have been no indications that the Syrian soldiers are preparing for a cross border incursion, U.S. and Lebanese officials have warned that the new deployment could spark conflict. The Syrian government claims that the military operation near the border was ordered to combat smuggling from Lebanon. Military analysts in the region told reporters that the new deployment coupled with the car bombing last month in Damascus raises serious concerns of a potential border incursion by Syrian troops.