LEBANON EVACUATION SITUATION REPORT NO. 2 (AS OF 2200EDT)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP83M00171R001800080031-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: December 12, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 30, 2001
• Sequence Number: 31
• Publication Date: June 18, 1976
• Content Type: IM

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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
June 18, 1976
INTELLIGENCE MEMORANDUM
LEBANON EVACUATION SITUATION REPORT No. 2
(As of 2200. EDT)
The US-UK convoy is scheduled to Leave Beirut
between 0130 and 0200 EDT on June 19.
Results of British Convoy
The two US officials who accompanied the British convoy
that reached Damascus earlier today have been debriefed. The
convoy's route is shown on the attached map. According to the
officials, during the trip the convoy was escorted by,at least
four different identifiable groups at different times: a
mixed Palestinian force, Libyans, pro-Syrian Saiqa elements,
and Syrian soldiers. The convoy was unescorted between Rum
and Mashgharah. From the point a few miles after the convoy
turned inland to the Syrian border, the route appeared under
the control of the Syrian army or allied Saiqa units, although
the convoy came under fire at one point near Jazzin.
near Jazzin about noon today. The fighting may have occurred
at about the time the British convoy was passing through the
area, and-would explain reports that the convoy was fired upon.
The Military Situation
25X1D The military situation remains basically unchanged from
the last situation report. According to press reports, Chris-
tian for"_cf have laid siege to the Palestinian refugee camp at
Tall Zata, in Beirut's eastern suburbs. Tall Zatar is well
removed from Ras Beirut where most Americans live, but the
NOFORN
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leftists and Palestinians have often responded in the past to
attacks on the camp by counterattacking in the port and commer-
cial districts.
Elsewhere, Syrian forces continue to slowly consolidate
their hold on areas around urban centers, such as Sidon and
Tripoli, where they have encountered stiff resistance. In
central Lebanon, scattered exchanges of artillery and mortar
fire continued between Christian, Palestinian, and Syrian forces.
Syrian Aircraft Deployment
25X1 D Syria shifted an
unknown u er or righter aircra yesterday from Palmyra
in central Syria to Al Qusayr on the northeastern Lebanon
border. These aircraft may be replacements for a number of
fighters that were moved earlier this week from Al Qusayr to an
airfield in northern Syria closer to the Iraqi border. We have
had no indications yet that any of the aircraft recently deploy2'?X1D
to.Al Qusayr have been used in operational roles in Lebanon.
Soviet Naval Activity in the Mediterranean
The Soviets are expanding their surveillance of US
naval units in the eastern Mediterranean. Three Soviet
combatants--including the helicopter carrier Leningrad--are
making rapid transits from the anchorage off Malta to the
NOFORN
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vicinity of the two US naval task groups near Lebanon. One
of the ships has already joined the Soviet ships that are
trailing the USS America group southwest of Cyprus. The two
others are now south of Crete and are still moving eastward.
Two Soviet patrol boats, possibly accompanied by a destroyer
also have departed their anchorage east of Crete and are moving
toward Lebanon. These redeployments will bring the number of
Soviet surface ships watching the US groups to ten. A Soviet
submarine also is in the area.
The Soviets are concerned about the movements of US ships,
and most likely are unsure about US plans. We do not think
it is likely that the Soviets would harass or interfere with
the US task groups.
NA FO RN
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