(UNTITLED)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85T00287R001300450001-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: January 12, 2017
• Document Release Date: July 1, 2011
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: January 31, 1984
• Content Type: REPORT

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Middle East Situation Report #26
(as of 1100 EST, 31 January 1984)
LEBANON/SYRIA
Apart from continued reinforcements of Lebanese Army 25X1
positions along the ridgeline, there are no new developments
regarding the Army's planned offensive.
The Lebanese Army now has approximately 9,000 men in four
brigades--the 4th, 5th, 8th, and 10th (formerly the airmobile
brigade)--available to conduct offensive operations. Four
additional brigades the 3rd, 6th, 7th, and 9th, totalling perhaps
6,500 men are committed to security operations in Beirut.
If the offensive occurs it is likely to include the
following operations:
-- An attack by the 8th brigade and the 4th brigade to close
the gap in L~1F lines at Qabr Shamun.
-- A sweep by the 5th brigade through Druze-held positions 25X1
at Kafr Shima and Ash Shuwayfat to seize control of the
entire area between Beirut and the Alayh ridgeline.
Following the death of a US Marine yesterday, Shia leaders
now say the shelling of Marine positions was a "misunder-
standing," and have ordered their militiamen not to engage the
Marines. So far today the situation in and around Beirut has
remained relatively quiet.
In six hours of talks yesterday with Ambassador Rumsfeld,
Syrian Foreign Minister Khaddam denied Syrian involvement in
terrorist acts in Lebanon, maintained a hardline on Lebanese
security and political issues, and engaged in blunt discussion of
superpower involvement in the region.
-- Khaddam charged that the US claimed Israel's invasion and
occupation of Lebanon was legitimate while characterizing
Lebanese resistance as terrorism. He added that Syria
supports attacks on Israelis committed by southern
Lebanese, but condemns terrorist attacks on the MNF.
-- Khaddam reiterated Syria's position that abrogation of
the 17 May Agreement and internal political reform were
prerequisites to the formation of a government of
national unity.
C'nnv ~ 41 of ~ ~,
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-- He concluded with a refutation of the existence of a
Syrian/Soviet axis in the region and claimed there was
widespread bitterness among Arab states over the US
strate4ic alliance with Israel.
between Syrian President Assa an a anese President Gemayel
"verv soon."
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Yesterday in Damascus Junblatt said that he is working for 25X1
the downfall of Gemayel. He stated that Lebanon's crisis could
be solved by a "white coup" similar to the one in 1952 when
President Bishara Rhoury was forced to step down.
-- Junblatt noted that the Lebanese Army is preparing for "a
large-scale operation" against the Druze and added that a 25X1
military move would undermine an ho a for ne otiations
over the securit lan.
According to the US Embassy in Beirut, a Druze official has
warned that they are considering stepping up their information
campaign against the US presence in Lebanon. Plans include a
press conference in Europe featuring pictures of alleged
casualties and damage caused by Marine fire.
-- The Embassy notes that Junblatt's call for an
international investigation of the Marine role and his
apparent appeal to US public opinion may be part of this
plan.
IRAN-IRAQ WAR
Baghdad press reports that Iraqi naval forces, supported by
fighter planes, destroyed five "naval targets" and a Phantom jet
fighter in actions in the northern section of the Persian Gulf.
We cannot confirm.
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King Hussein reported to Ambassador Rumsfeld that Iraqi
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Foreign Minister Tariq Aziz told him that Iraq is considering
resuming diplomatic relations with the US after Aziz's spring
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visit to Washington.
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SUBJECT: Middle East Situation Report #26
(As of 1100 EST, 31 Jan 84)
DISTRIBUTION:
Cy 1 - DCI
Cy 2 - DDCI
Cy 3 - DCI/SA/IA
Cy 4 - DDI
Cy 5 - DDO/NE
Cy 6 - DDO/NE
Cy 7 - DDO/NE
Cy 8 - C/PES
Cy 9 - NIO/NESA
Cy 10,11,12,13 - CPAS/IMD/CB
Cy 14
Cy 15
Cy 16
Cy 17
Cy 18 ,19
Cy 20
Cy 21,22
Cy 23
Cy 24,25
DDI/NESA/AI&PG
- CPAS/PDB (NID)
- CPAS/PDB-WATCH OFFICE
- OGI/IIC/TAB
- D/NESA
- NESA/PPS
- NESA/AI
- NESA/AI/L
- NESA/PG
- NESA/PG/I
31Jan84)
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