DESPITE OBJECTIONS, FATAH PREPARES ARMY GAZA CITY [MENL] -- Despite objections from the Palestinian Authority, Fatah has been training an army of more than 3,000 fighters in the Gaza Strip.

Fatah sources said the fighters were recruited over the last two months and completed training in the southern Gaza Strip. They said Fatah's Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades established three military training camps for cadets.

"It is the rebirth of the organization and meant to bolster the rule of law," a Fatah source said.

The so-called Popular Army was announced in July as an initiative by Fatah chief Farouk Khaddoumy. Weeks later, Khaddoumy withdrew the plan under PA objections.