'Syria, Hezbollah to compete over firing Scud at Tel Aviv'

In 'Al Rai' report, Syrian security officials say if war breaks out with Israel, Assad will "play powerful cards" in south Lebanon.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Hezbollah rocket launcher 311 (R) (photo credit: Reuters)
Hezbollah rocket launcher 311 (R)
(photo credit: Reuters)
If war breaks out between Israel, Syria, and Hezbollah, Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime will "play powerful cards" in south Lebanon and will not hesitate to respond, senior security officials in Syria said, according to the Kuwaiti newspaper Al Rai.
According to the officials, in case of war with Israel, Syria and Hezbollah will compete with each other over who will fire the first Scud or Fateh missile at Tel Aviv.
RELATED:Analysis: Syria unrest could destabilize LebanonCalls for sanctions grow as Assad steps up offensive
The Syrian officials also warned that the deteriorating security situation in Syria and damage to the country's stability may also have an effect on the situation in Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon.
Click for full Jpost coverage of turmoil in the Middle East
Click for full Jpost coverage of turmoil in the Middle East
They added that it will be very difficult to topple the Assad regime, which has moved from a defensive position to an offensive one.
The comments by the Syrian officials comes after a European push for the UN Security Council to condemn Syria's violent crackdown on anti-government protesters was blocked on Wednesday by resistance from Russia, China and Lebanon, envoys said.
Meanwhile, Syrian forces tightened their grip over several hot spots of unrest on Wednesday, as troops poured overnight into a Damascus suburb, tanks patrolled the volatile city of Deraa and security men surrounded Banias on the coast.