SYRIAN TROOPS OUT, INTEL REMAINS IN LEBANONNICOSIA [MENL] -- Syria has moved the lion's share of military troops to the Bekaa Valley, but maintained its large intelligence presence in Lebanon.
Damascus was said to have withdrawn virtually all Syrian troops from central and northern Lebanon. Lebanese officials said most of the 14,000 Syrian troops arrived in the Bekaa Valley on Saturday.
The Syrian military organized a 62-vehicle convoy for the removal of troops and equipment from northern Lebanon. Officials said most of the convoy entered Syria while some of the troops remained in Lebanon.
Officials said Syria continues to deploy troops in bases around Beirut. Damascus has set a March 31 deadline for the redeployment of Syrian troops to the Bekaa Valley.