Hizbullah Employed To Protect Syrian Interests

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The United States has determined that the Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah has been employed to protect Syrian interests in Lebanon.

Officials said the U.S. intelligence community has concluded that Hizbullah was recruited to help battle anti-Syrian elements in Lebanon. They said Hizbullah was recruiting operatives in the Sunni north to facilitate security along the Syrian border.

"For years, Hizbullah did not get directly involved in helping Syria in Lebanon," an official said. "In 2009, we saw a distinct shift toward direct assistance of Damascus."