'Naksa Day' border riots
Photo: EPA
'We know where each bullet hit'
Photo: Reuters
IDF not expecting additional border riots
Army was prepared for 'Naksa Day' riots organized by Syrian regime as distraction, officials say
IDF officials postulated Saturday that the violent protests that took place on 'Nakba Day' and 'Naksa Day' respectively are not likely to reoccur in the near future, though the army is maintaining a state of alert.
The 'Naksa Day' protests, they add, were not a battle for Palestinian right of return but rather an organized attempt by the Syrian regime to deflect attention from its brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters.
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Residents of Majdal Shams allegedly threw stones at riot in which police officer was injured
For this reason, they add, the army was well-prepared for the second onslaught and the 'Naksa Day' riots ended with few casualties.
"We know where each bullet hit. The fire was very selective and controlled," one IDF source said, adding that 23 dead was not a high number. The army says 8-10 of these victims were killed by mines that exploded when protesters threw firebombs at Quneitra crossing.
In addition, officials reiterated the explanation that many were wounded and may have even died because protesters did not allow the Red Cross to reach the victims.
The officials back their claim by citing the condemnation offered up by Palestinian organizations against Syrian-affiliated Palestinian groups such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which they see as responsible for the casualties.
Families of the victims have also condemned these groups for putting their loved ones at risk for political gain. Hamas leaders have also been blamed.
"After 37 years we are witnessing a change in the Syrian reality," a senior IDF official said. "There is loss of control, a shrugging off, and this could lead to disturbing events along the border."
However military officials do not believe this will last. They also cite the relative lack of violence along the Lebanese border as proof that the IDF has succeeded in warding off threats.
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