Al-Qaida has base in Lebanon, says paper

NEARLY 200 al-Qaida operatives, including several senior commanders, have settled in Lebanon with Syria’s permission, taking refuge in a large Palestinian refugee camp there, an Israeli newspaper reported on Monday.

A source in Jerusalem, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the report, saying the information comes from Israeli and western intelligence agencies.

A Lebanese security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, denied al-Qaida members were in the refugee camp, saying 10 to 15 Islamic militants are hiding from authorities in the camp. The militants were involved in clashes in which nine Lebanese soldiers were killed.