Missile Strikes in Beirut Could Heat Up Syrian Conflict
Published at
Stockbyte/Thinkstock(BEIRUT) — A rocket attack in Beirut is stirring fears that Syria’s two-year conflict could drag Lebanon into a no-win situation.
On Sunday, two missiles struck a neighborhood where the militant group Hezbollah makes its headquarters.
While only four injuries were reported, it’s believed the strike was a message from Syrian rebels to Hezbollah to stop supporting President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Hezbollah has sent fighters into Syria to assist al-Assad’s attempt at remaining in power. However, Sunni Muslims in Lebanon oppose their involvement, siding with rebels who seek a new government in Syria.
Nonetheless, Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has reiterated his group’s commitment to help defeat his allies’ enemies.
In a statement, Arab League chief Nabil Elaraby “urged the leaders of Hezbollah to reconsider their stance and not get involved in the killing in Syria, stressing that the only way to protect Lebanon…is to protect Lebanon’s internal unity.”
The Arab League is concerned that sectarian violence could turn Lebanon into the next Syria.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio