SYRIA/LEBANON/MISSILES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP88-01070R000200950003-1
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 27, 2008
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: November 14, 1983
• Content Type: OPEN SOURCE

Approved For Release 2008/06/27: CIA-RDP88-01070R000200950003-1
14 November 1983
SYRIA/LEBANON/ JENNINGS: Soviet missiles in the Middle East are the cause of
MISSILES new concern today. And here's our Pentagon correspondent, John
McWethy.
MCWETHY: U.S. intelligence sources tell ABC News that Syria has
moved several batteries of SAM-9 anti-aircraft missiles deep
into Lebanon to positions Nest of the Bekaa Valley north of .the
Beirut-Damascus highway. American sources say this puts the
missiles into excellent position to strike at American aircraft
that now fly reconnaissance missions over the area. The SAM-9
missiles are fast, short-range weapons designed to strike
aircraft flying below 16,000 feet. The missiles are located
around Syrian. ammunition storage, areas. American sources say no
decision has yet been made on whether to remove the weapons by
force, but they do admit that broad discussions are under way
with Israel about possible military moves against Syria, which
could include hitting the new missiles. U.S. government sources
-say they now anticipate if there is to be any retaliation for
the killing of 239 American servicemen at Beirut airport it will
be directed against Syrian positions in Lebanon. Sources say
the Reagan administration believes that Syria both allowed and
encouraged Iranian terrorists to strike at the American compound
last month, and that makes Syria the primary target for
retaliation. John McWethy, ABC News, the Pentagon.
Approved For Release 2008/06/27: CIA-RDP88-01070R000200950003-1