Lebanon accuses Syria of destabilising plot

Lebanese authorities say they have uncovered a Syrian plot to destabilise Lebanon in an investigation that has led to the indictment of a top Syrian official and compounded fears that Damascus aims to export its civil conflict next door.

The indictments issued in Beirut against two Syrian officers, including General Ali Mamlouk, mark an unprecedented Lebanese move against a more powerful neighbour.

If confirmed, the alleged plot drawn up with a former Lebanese minister to ignite sectarian strife in Lebanon would represent a major blow to Syria’s Lebanese allies, including Hezbollah.

An indictment from the military prosecutor issued this weekend accused Michel Samaha, the Lebanese politician in question, Ali Adnan, a Syrian colonel, and Gen Mamlouk, head of the Syrian national security bureau, of forming an “armed gang” that planned to detonate bombs prepared by the Syrians with the aim of “inciting sectarian fighting” in Lebanon.

The Syrian government has not commented on the case.