US pushes for Syria to send troops into Lebanon, Damascus hesitant: Report

The US has pushed for Syria to consider sending forces into eastern Lebanon, but Damasus is reluctant to be drawn into the conflict, Reuters is reporting, citing five sources briefed on the matter.

According to the sources - two of whom are Syrian officials - the idea was first discussed by US and Syrian officials last year.

They said the proposal was raised again by US officials around the time of the launch of US-Israeli attacks on Iran. The two Syrian officials said the request arrived shortly before the attacks began, while a western intelligence source said it came shortly after the strikes started.

According to the report, which cites 10 sources including six Syrian officials and government advisers, Syria's government had been cautiously considering a cross-border operation but remained hesitant.

Reporting by Reuters