Massive wild fires in Lebanon: terrorism...

Massive wild fires in Lebanon suspected to be terrorism

Wednesday, 24 October, 2007 @ 8:15 PM

Eioun al-Samak, Lebanon - Fires raged on Wednesday for the second time this month across hectares (acres) of forest in Lebanon, threatening the natural wealth of a country once known as the Switzerland of the Middle East.

Interior Minister Hassan Sabaa pointed an accusing finger at unidentified assailants charged of starting the fires.

"The big question is: how did these fires start late at night and in areas that are not linked to the road network," Sabaa told Voice of Lebanon radio.

He disclosed that in the "Eioun al-Samak region of the Minyeh district residents observed smoke billowing from the nearby mountain, they innocently headed to the source of smoke to extinguish the blaze, but they were shot at."

"This supports suspicion that these fires are intentional," Sabaa added.

Earlier this month, more than 2,500 hectares (6,200 acres) of woodland were destroyed in fires that swept through several regions of Lebanon, leaving one woman dead and dozens injured.

What about Orange County CA?.....

Nothing conclusive: Investigation continues.

G