1980s
Iran is believed to have facilitated the passage of (and/or paid for) North Korean-built Scud C's to Syria. [Ed. Note: Reportedly occurred between 1980 and 1988].
––William E. Burrows and Robert Windrem, Critical Mass: The Dangerous Race for Superweapons in a Fragmenting World (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1994), p. 336.

14 January 1982
Arab diplomats in Beirut explain that recent official Syrian visits to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States, including a visit by President Assad, were conducted for the purpose of seeking aid to acquire more MiG fighter planes, SAM anti-aircraft missiles and T-72 tanks from Moscow. Abdel Halim Khaddam, the Syrian vice-premier and foreign minister, said that Syria is currently receiving $1.3 billion in aid from the Arab states. He meets today with Soviet leaders in hopes of signing a strategic cooperation agreement to counter the agreement signed late last year between the United States and Israel.
— Ihsan Hijazi, "Syria Asks for Aid to Buy Soviet Weapons," The Financial Times, 14 January, 1982; David Ottaway, "Syrian, in Moscow Visit, Seeks Closer Military Ties with Soviets," The Washington Post, 15 January, 1982.

17 January 1982
Syrian Defense Minister Mustafah Tlas reportedly says that Syria will keep its anti-aircraft missiles in Lebanon's Biqa'a Valley "indefinitely."
—"Arabs Step Up Attacks on U.S. Mid East Policy," The Financial Times, 18 January, 1982.

12 March 1982
Marshal Pavel S. Kutakov, Soviet deputy defense minister and air force commander, arrived this morning for a four-day visit, bearing a letter for President Hafez Assad from the Kremlin. Diplomatic sources in Beirut suggest that a Soviet-Syrian agreement providing Syria with new Soviet missiles and MiG airplanes has been signed. Also, replacements for Soviet experts posted to Damascus arrived a week ago.
—"Reported-Syrian Arms Agreement," Voice of Lebanon, as translated by the Broadcasting Service, 12 March, 1982; "Soviet Air Force Commander Meets Syrian President," The Associated Press, 12 March, 1982.

6 April 1982
Syria reportedly reinforces its positions in the Biqa'a Valley with SAM missiles.
—"Syrian Deployment and Missile Changes in Lebanon," Voice of Lebanon, as translated by the Broadcasting Service, 8 April, 1982.

20 April 1982
Syrians reportedly target an Israeli plane flying over the Golan Heights, in an incident described as the first missile attack within Israeli airspace since the 1973 war. Later, a military spokesman announces that Israeli reconnaissance aircraft flying over Sidon also have been fired upon, using hand-held missiles and antiaircraft guns. It appears that Israel is choosing to play down these incidents, however.
—David K. Shipler, "Israeli Planes are Attacked by Missiles," The New York Times, 21 April, 1982.

25 May 1982
Israeli planes on a routine mission have sent two Syrian interceptors crashing into the mountains northeast of Beirut. Two Syrian SA6 missile batteries located below -- placed there a year ago in response to Israel's downing of a pair of Syrian helicopters –– are not believed to have been fired. Western diplomatic sources in Damascus view the attempted interception of Israeli jets as a sign of President Assad's "refusal to abandon his self-assigned role as protector of Lebanese air space despite the Israeli Air Force's evident superiority."
—Edward Cody, "Israeli Warplanes Shoot Down Two Syrian Jets Over Lebanon," The Washington Post, 26 May, 1982.

9 June 1982
Israel claims to have destroyed Syrian missile batteries and 22 MiG aircraft today in a major battle over eastern Lebanon's Biqa'a Valley. Israel has demanded the removal of Syria's SAM-6 missiles since their installation there in April 1981. Informed sources in Damascus report that Syrian forces are pouring into Lebanon, doubling troop strength to 65,000. Estimates of Israeli troop strengths range from 20,000 to 60,000.
—"Syrian and Israeli Warplanes Wage Fierce Air Battles," Associated Press, 9 June, 1982.

9 June 1982
A communique from the Israeli Army Air Command released this evening states that Israel "had no choice" but to destroy Syrian missiles in the Biqa'a Valley, blaming Hafez Assad for having prompted the attack. In Washington, Israeli Ambassador Moshe Arens revealed that Syria had added six new sites in the Biqa'a Valley just last night, bringing the total to 19 at the time of the attack. He added that Israel's massive air attack had destroyed 17 of these and severely damaged the remaining two.
—William Claiborne, "Israelis Claim Syria's Assad Provoked Raid," The Washington Post, 10 June, 1982.

10 June 1982
Syrian officials have stated that, contrary to a statement by Israeli Defense Minister Ariel Sharon, its SAM-6 missiles located in the Biqa'a Valley were not destroyed in Israeli air attacks. In a separate statement, a Syrian military spokesman listed two missile batteries among the losses suffered by Syria. Reagan envoy Philip Habib met for a third time with President Assad in Damascus, in pursuit of a cease-fire agreement; he returns to Jerusalem tomorrow.
—Henry Tanner, "Syrian Aide Asserts Troops in Lebanon Will Battle On," The New York Times, 11 June, 1982; William Branigin, "Hafez Assad Said to Insist on Pullout," The Washington Post, 11 June, 1982.
.
11 June 1982
In the wake of a "firm" message from U.S. President Reagan to Prime Minister Begin, calling for a cease-fire in Lebanon, the Israeli Government has announced a cease-fire to begin at 12 noon (6 a.m. EDT) today, after which time Israeli forces will shoot only if shot at. The Israeli statement made clear that any attempt by Syria to replace ground-to-air missiles in Lebanon will be immediately countered by every means at the air force's disposal.
—"Text of Israel's Truce Announcement," Associated Press, 11 June, 1982; "The Situation in the Middle East," The New York Times, 11 June, 1982.

14 June 1982
Diplomatic sources suggest that the arrival last night of General Yurasov, Soviet deputy air defense commander, indicates a high degree of concern on the part of Soviet military planners regarding Israeli accuracy in the recent destruction of Soviet-made missile batteries in the Biqa'a Valley. Israel's remarkable success in knocking out the SAMs without suffering heavy losses is attributed to an electronic system called "Wild Weasel," which allows them to deceive SAM radar while accurately homing in on the targeted missile. Missile batteries on the Syrian side of the border were also reportedly destroyed in last week's strikes.
— William Branigin, "Soviet General Said to Assess Syrian Losses," The Washington Post, 14 June, 1982; John Brecher, Jane Whitmore and John J. Lindsay, "Mismatch in the Sky," Newsweek, 21 June, 1982.

16 June 1982
Israeli Defense Minister Sharon claims that about 30 Syrian missile batteries were destroyed in the recent fighting, considerably more than previously reported [Note: See 9 June 1982].
—"Begin Tells Cabinet to Ignore Reported U.S. Threat," The New York Times, 17 June, 1982.

16 June 1982
Diplomatic sources reveal that Syria has installed new SAM-6 batteries on its border with Lebanon, supplied by the Soviet Union. There are also indications that a limited Soviet resupply effort is in progress. Soviet and Libyan transport planes have been sighted at Damascus airport -- three to four daily according to an Israeli radio report. Israel claims that the cargo consists of large number of MiG aircraft and surface-to-air missiles.
— William Branigin, "Syria Installs Soviet Missiles on Border," The Washington Post, 17 June, 1982; Ned Temko, "Moscow Stocks Syria but Avoids Widening War," Christian Science Monitor, 18 June, 1982.

24 June 1982
Heavy fighting is reported in central Lebanon. The Israeli Command accuses Syria of moving SAM batteries into the battle area in violation of the June 11^th cease-fire agreement. Associated Press correspondent Richard Pyle has reported that Syrians fired missiles at Israeli jets during bomb runs against Syrian positions. The aircraft dropped balloon flares to "divert the heat-seeking missiles."
—Marcus Eliason, "International News," Associated Press, 24 June, 1982.

25 June 1982
Two SAM-6 missiles are reported to have been fired at Israeli aircraft in fighting today; Israel reports the planes as safe, however.
—"Israeli Battle Reports," IDF Radio as translated by the British Broadcasting System, 28 June, 1982.

26 June 1982
Syrians lost a battery (three missiles) of SAM-6 missiles today in an Israeli air strike, as they were being installed in the Biqa'a Valley.
—"Israeli Jets Strike at Syrian Missiles," Reuters, 27 June, 1982.

27 June 1982
Defense Minister Sharon announced today that the Cabinet resolved two weeks ago to view any Syrian missile battery reconstruction as a cease-fire violation. Therefore any anti-aircraft battery introduced into Lebanon would be "attacked and destroyed."
—"Israeli Battle Reports," IDF Radio as translated by the British Broadcasting System, 29 June, 1982.

30 June 1982
According to Lebanese Christian Radio in Beirut, Syria fired missiles at Israeli planes over Lebanon. An Israeli Army spokesman had no comment on the report.
—"U.S. Assures Israel on Talks in Beirut," The New York Times, 2 July, 1982.

5 July 1982
Western military experts shed light on the workings of the double-drone system used by Israel to knock out Syria's SAM batteries during its invasion of Lebanon. The first drone, a small UAV, is deployed over the targeted SAM installation to detect its missile guidance radio frequency. A second drone follows, equipped with a high explosive warhead and the ability to precisely home in on the target along the site's own radar beam. It is also capable of circling the area up to one hour if the radar is turned off in an effort to mask its location. This killer double-drone system is the result of a joint Israeli, West German and U.S. air force efforts. [See also 14 June 1992]
—Eric Gelman, "Israel's SAM Killers: Double Drones," Newsweek, 5 July, 1982.

5 July 1982
Previously unidentified missile batteries located in the areas of Sabra and Shatila, Lebanon, are reported to be firing at Israeli positions south of Beirut.
—"Israeli Battle Reports: Beirut and Operations in South," IDF Radio as translated by the British Broadcasting System, 6 July, 1982.

8 July 1982
U.S. Intelligence sources confirm that six Soviet merchant ships carrying surface-to-air missiles, among other military cargo, have unloaded in Syrian ports over the past couple of weeks, in a major attempt to replace weapons and equipment lost in battles with Israel in Lebanon.
—Fred S. Hoffman, "Soviets Supplying Syrians With Weapons," Associated Press, 8 July, 1982.

13 July 1982
An antitank missile called the AT 4, also known by its NATO name Spigot, has been recovered from the site of a recent battle between Israeli and Syrian forces, at Bhamdoun on the road from Beirut to Damascus. The missile is not previously known to have been delivered to countries outside the Warsaw Pact. The U.S. equivalent is the TOW.
—"Syrians Left New Weapon, Analyst Says," The Washington Post, 14 July, 1982.

24 July 1982
Military communiqués from both sides confirm that Syrian forces have shot down an Israeli F4 Phantom fighter-bomber following Israeli raids that destroyed three of Syria's new Soviet-made SAM-8 batteries, each consisting of four surface-to-air missiles. Reports vary as to whether a surviving SAM-8 battery on the Lebanese side or an older SAM-6 in Syria is responsible for downing the aircraft. The attack occurred in the area of Barr Ilyas, at the center of the Biqa'a Valley.

The IDF claims it was not surprised when the SAM-8 batteries were introduced to the Biqa'a Valley yesterday, stating that "it is reasonable to assume that it was the Soviets who operated the missile batteries" and further suggesting that the Soviets brought them in with the intention of testing them in combat against Israeli air force planes. The Soviet missile is mounted on a six-wheeled amphibious vehicle carrying up to three four-missile launchers (12 missiles), as well as surveillance, tracking and command radars. Upon launching the missiles, the vehicle can exit the site within seconds, thereby greatly decreasing the chances of being hit. Two missiles can be launched at any one time and at the same target, using different command frequencies. Codenamed Gecko by NATO, the SAM-8 is generally considered the equivalent of the Franco-German Roland missile.
—William Branigin, "Missile Sites Hit in Bekaa; Syria Downs Israeli Phantom," The Washington Post, 25 July, 1982; "Use of SAM-8 Missiles; Shooting From Syria," Israel Television as translated by the British Broadcasting Service, 26 July, 1982; "Soviets Order SA-8s Into Action in Bekaa After Israeli Successes," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 9 August, 1982.

25 July 1982
In response to yesterday's actions, Israeli Cabinet Secretary Dan Meridor has warned Syria of "very grievous consequences" if it raises the level of fighting in Lebanon.
—Henry Kamm, "Israel Tells Syria Not to Introduce New Arms in Fight," The New York Times, 26 July, 1982.

30 July 1982
Prime Minister Begin advised the Knesset's Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee that the IDF has been empowered to destroy any missiles Syria employs near the Lebanese border. He added that Israel may launch a military operation on west Beirut if the terrorists do not agree to leave; also, terrorist demands for Israeli soldiers not to be present during the evacuation have been refused.
—"Begin's Warnings to PLO and Syria," Israel Radio as translated by the British Broadcasting Service, 2 August, 1982.

10 August 1982
IDF's Tel Aviv Command reports that Israeli jets destroyed a Syrian SAM-9 missile battery in the Biqa'a Valley, moved there in defiance of Israeli warnings. The jets also attacked the PLO section of West Beirut and the Sabra, Shatila and Bourj el-Barajneh refugee camps.
—"Divebombing Israeli Jets Attacked West Beirut and Syrian Missile Sites in Eastern Lebanon," Associated Press, 10 August, 1982.

5 September 1982
Prime Minister Menachem Begin, in a letter to President Reagan, provided a complete accounting thus far of Syrian losses in Lebanon. Israel has destroyed 21 SAM-6, -8 and -9 missile batteries, 405 tanks (including nine T-72s), and 102 planes, all of which were Soviet-supplied.
—Edward Walsh, "Israel Rebuffs Reagan, Approves 3 Settlements," The Washington Post, 6 September, 1982.

8 September 1982
Israeli Air Force jets knock out a Syrian SAM-9 battery in Dahr al Baydar, Lebanon.
In a speech to the Knesset, Prime Minister Begin referred to this action, making clear a zero tolerance policy concerning the presence of such weapons. Deputy White House Press Secretary Larry Speakes expressed the Reagan administration's strong concerns about the renewed military activity in Lebanon and urged all parties to act with the "utmost restraint."
—"Israeli Government Accuse Reagan of Subjugation," Associated Press, 8 September, 1982; Loren Jenkins, "PLO Demands Israel Supply List of Its Prisoners," The Washington Post, 9 September, 1982; Edward Walsh, "Arab Leadership Said to Unite on Own Mideast Plan; Israeli Parliament Rejects Reagan Bid," The Washington Post, 9 September, 1982.

9 September 1982
A second consecutive day of air strikes by the Israeli Air Force knocks out four SAM- missile emplacements at Dahr al Baydar, in Lebanon's Biqa'a Valley. This action is a further indication of escalating tensions between Syria and Israel, following the recent capture of eight Israeli soldiers by PLO units.
—Loren Jenkins, "Israeli Jets Hit 4 Syrian Missile Sites in Valley," The Washington Post, 10 September, 1982.

12 September 1982
The Israeli military command has announced that an Israeli raid near Dahr al Baydar has taken out another Syrian SAM-9 battery. This is the third such raid in the last five days. The 'Voice of Lebanon' reported that Syrians moved three additional SAM-9 missile launchers into northern Lebanon, and that the Syrian deployment into the Biqa'a was assisted by eight Soviet military experts.
—"Israeli Warplanes Raid Syrian Positions," Associated Press, 12 September, 1982; "Israeli Attacks on SAM Missile Positions," Israel Radio as translated by the British Broadcasting Service, 13 September, 1982.

5-12 September 1982
A total of five SAM-9s, also known as Gaskin, were reported destroyed by Israeli jets in the Biqa'a Valley. These surface-to-air missiles are infrared-guided weapons mounted on armored vehicles, each capable of carrying four launchers.
—"Missile Strikes," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 13 September, 1982.

13 September 1982
An Israeli military communiqué today claimed 12 Israeli dead and 20 wounded in the wake of recent Syrian cease-fire violations. An Israeli air assault over eastern and central Lebanon today, thought to be the heaviest since July 22nd, is credited with destroying both Palestinian and Syrian Army targets including one SAM-9 battery, rocket launchers, armored vehicles, five Palestinian command posts and artillery positions. Israeli Chief of Staff Rafael Eytan adds a SAM-8 to the list of enemy losses, and claims that the missiles were operated by Libyans.
—"Israeli Chief of Staff on 13^th September Operations," Israel Radio as translated by the British Broadcasting Service, 14 September, 1982.

4 October 1982
In an apparent retaliation action for an ambush near Syrian lines east of Beirut that left six dead and 22 injured Israeli soldiers, the first Israeli air attack since September 13^th destroyed yet another Syrian SAM-9 battery in eastern Lebanon.
—David B. Ottoway, "Israeli Jets Destroy Syrian Missile Site," The Washington Post, 5 October, 1982.

14 October 1982
A 'Radio Free Lebanon' correspondent reports the emplacement by Syrian forces of a SAM-8 battery into the suburbs of the Hazirta township, last night.
—"Lebanon: In Brief; Syrian Missiles on the Biqa'a," Radio Free Lebanon as translated by the British Broadcasting Service, 15 October, 1982.

18 October 1982
Syrian forces are reported to have launched missiles at Israeli tanks in eastern Lebanon. Meanwhile, in a UN address, Lebanese President Amin Gemayel called for the "immediate, unconditional withdrawal of all foreign forces" from his country.
—Edited by Anne Collier, "Lebanon President Makes an Emotional UN Appeal," Christian Science Monitor, 19 October, 1982.

18 October 1982
Intelligence and military officials in Damascus report than new military equipment from the Soviet Union has been arriving at the Syrian port of Tartus for several weeks now. Convoys of trucks, armored personnel carriers and trucks have been noted in convoys heading south from Homs to the Biqa'a Valley. New planes, possibly MiG-25s, are also being brought in and moved to the Syrian military base near Palmyra, 125 miles northeast of Damascus.

Officials affirm that Syria still has no adequate air defense system to protect its planes, radars and missiles, and that its most pressing war material requirement is improved electronic countermeasure equipment and the skill to use it. Syrian Information Minister Ahmed Iskandar Ahmed has said that "although we do not have the weapons balancing those of Israel, these will be secured in the near future." Syria acknowledges the loss of 60 planes and fewer than 30 missiles in military action with Israel in Lebanon [Israel claims 80 jet fighters, and 30 SAM batteries].
—James F. Clarity, "Moscow Replacing Syrians' Materiel," The New York Times, 24 October, 1982.

26 October 1982
Several Christian Lebanese radio stations have reported Syria's movement of SAM-8 batteries into the Biqa'a Valley and the Akkar region in the northeast corner of the country, as well as tanks and artillery. Israeli jet reconnaissance flights into the Biqa'a Valley have been noted making mock bombing runs. Although they were reportedly fired upon, no planes were hit.
—G.G. Labelle, "Syria Defies Israel With New Missile Launchers in Bekaa Valley," Associated Press, 26 October, 1982.

26 October 1982
Israeli sources say they do not perceive Syrian forces as an immediate danger, but are concerned about the pace of Soviet arms shipments and the apparently steady flow of SAM-8 and SAM-9s into Syria.
—Drew Middleton, "Arab's Armed Strength: Still a Worry for Israelis," The New York Times, 26 October, 1982.

26 October 1982
For the third day in a row, Israeli warplanes are reported to be intensifying reconnaissance missions over Lebanon. Both Israel and Syria are reinforcing their positions in the Biqa'a and northern Lebanon; Syria has reportedly deployed two new SAM batteries in the Biqa'a and established two missile bases near Qulay'at airport in Akkar.
—"Israel and Lebanon," The Voice of Lebanon as translated by the British Broadcasting Service, 27 October, 1982; Edited by Anne Collier, "Syria and Israel Bolster Forces in East Lebanon," Christian Science Monitor, 28 October, 1982.

31 October 1982
In an action described by Israeli officials as a "grave" cease-fire violation, Syrian forces located in Syria fired two surface-to-air missiles at Israeli jets flying over the Biqa'a Valley in Lebanon; both missed their targets however. Israeli Defense Forces Radio said that Israelis never attacked missile emplacements within Syria, even during the war in Lebanon.
—Edward Walsh, "Syrian Forces Fire 2 Missiles at Israeli Planes in Bekaa," The Washington Post, 1 November, 1982; "Israel Says Syria Fired Missiles at Jets and Missed," The New York Times, 1 November, 1982.

7 November 1982
Syria reportedly fires a Sagger missile at an IDF position east of the village of (?Quq) from a position in Lebanon; fire was returned.
—"Sagger Missile Fired at Israelis: Increased Terrorist Attacks," Israel Radio as translated by the British Broadcasting Service, 9 November, 1982.

3 December 1982
Western military analysts surmise that Syria's formerly ineffective surface-to-air missile defense may lately have been improved with the addition of upgraded command and control systems. Evidence of advances in this area hinge on Syria's downing of an Israeli Phantom jet two months ago –– a surprise to the Israeli Air Force. There is speculation of a new, more sophisticated homing device or a possibly unjammable early warning radar.
—Loren Jenkins, "Soviets Reportedly Replace Weapons Syria Lost Last Summer," The Washington Post, 3 December, 1982.

1983
The Soviets agree to provide Syria with the SS-21 missile after Syria's June 1982 fighting with Israel in Lebanon. This is the first transfer of this missile outside of the Soviet Union. The SS-21, also know as the Scarab, is a single-stage, solid-fueled missile that is able to transport a nuclear, chemical or conventional warhead. The SS-21 is also more accurate than the FROG-7.
—Wisconsin Project, Syria: Missile Development, "The Risk Report," Vol. 3, no. 2, March-April 1997, <http://www.wisconsinproject.org/countries/syria/missiles.html/>.

4 January 1983
In an announcement thought to be politically motivated, the Israeli military command provided information regarding the construction of two SAM-5 missile bases in Syria. According to the announcement, the bases are as yet unmanned. Military officials conceded that, unlike the emplacement of missile batteries in Lebanon, Syria had a perfect right to install ground-to-air missiles within its borders.

The political motivation inherent in this announcement appears to derive from Israel's concern that Soviet rearmament of Syria lessens the likelihood of the latter's withdrawal from Lebanon; also, Israel is perhaps eager to remind the United States especially that Syria has certainly not abandoned its Syrian client and that it is in fact helping it restock with quite sophisticated weaponry of a kind never before noted outside of the USSR.
––Edward Walsh, "Israel Details Construction of Missile Batteries in Syrian Territory," The Washington Post, 5 January, 1983.

31 January 1983
In his annual report to Congress, Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger alluded to Israeli successes against Syrian SAM installations in Lebanon, making special mention of the effective use of UAVs for reconnaissance and radar-jamming purposes prior to launching an attack. "We hope to improve our SAM suppression capabilities through greater understanding of such tactics," he said.
––"Israelis, British Provided Weapons Lessons," Associated Press, 31 January, 1983.

3 February 1983
Syria is reported to have reinforced its military presence in Lebanon's Biqa'a Valley, including installing new missile bases 3km southeast of Masna that were recently inspected by Soviet experts.
––"The Situation in Lebanon," Voice of Lebanon as translated by British Broadcasting Corporation, 5 February, 1983.

8 February 1983
U.S. officials confirmed preliminary intelligence reports that a third antiaircraft missile site may be being prepared in southern Syria near the Jordanian border, at As Suwayda. It is apparently intended to house SAM-5 missiles. Officials are viewing this as an expansion of Soviet military presence in the region, openly questioning whether Soviet teams are temporary or whether this is an attempt to establish a more permanent presence in Syria. Diplomatic sources reveal that the Soviet Union is sending up to 1,000 troops to man the SAM-5s, doubling the number of Soviet military personnel in the country. These same sources agree that Syrians seem not to be looking for a fight with Israel, but wish simply to upgrade their preparedness.
Syrian officials have justified the recent acquisition of SAM-5s by insisting on the necessity of restoring the strategic balance with Israel.
––George C. Wilson, "U.S. Sees Expanding Soviet Military Presence in Syria," The Washington Post, 8 February, 1983; Jonathan C. Randal, "Hundreds Are Sent to Man Missiles; Soviets Doubling Their Troops in Syria," The Washington Post, 12 February, 1983.

11 February 1983
The Voice of Israel reports that additions to the Syrian military inventory, courtesy of the Soviet Union, include shipments of new air-to-air missiles with a range of 100km.
––"Soviet Military Help for Syria," Israel Home Service by British Broadcasting Corporation, 15 February, 1983.

1 March 1983
Secretary of State Schultz and Defense Secretary Weinberger refer to the recent Soviet installation in Syria of SAM-5s, along with Soviet crews, as "destabilizing" and "serious." The administration views the situation as inflammatory, increasing the possibility of renewed fighting in the Middle East.
––Michael Getler, "Weinberger, Schultz Call Soviet Missiles in Syria Danger to Peace," The Washington Post, 1 March, 1983.

1 March 1983
Responding to U.S. administration pronouncements on the subject, the Soviet press agency TASS defended Syria's right to install Soviet antiaircraft missiles on its territory.
Israeli military sources suggested that the missiles posed a direct threat to the country's security and a potential threat to American planes operating from carriers in the Mediterranean.
––"Soviet Defends the Provision of Its Missiles to the Syrians," UPI, 2 March, 1983; "Soviet Military Equipment for Syria," Israel Radio by British Broadcasting Corporation, 2 March, 1983.

Early March 1983
Western military analysts in Damascus cite the Soviet installation of two SAM-5 missile sites as the most dramatic improvement in Syrian hardware. Each site consists of 12 missile launchers, including one missile per launcher and equipment for radar tracking and surveillance. Each is manned by 500-600 Soviet technicians. Batteries are protected by smaller clusters of SAM-6 and SAM-3 launchers. Reports of a third SAM-5 site being constructed along the Jordan-Syria border have not been substantiated.
––Thomas L. Friedman, "Syrian Army Said to be Stronger Than Ever, Thanks to Soviet Union," The New York Times, 21 March, 1983

Early March 1983
Military analysts assess Israel's cost in aircraft and personnel, should it attack the SAM-5 batteries, as detrimental –– not to mention the political costs of possibly striking the attendant Soviet personnel. A total of 4,000 to 4,500 Soviet technicians are currently thought to be in Syria, including those operating the SAM-5s. It is thought that Syria's main disadvantage in a clash with Israel would be the inability to exercise personal initiative in an atmosphere "hampered by the highly centralized and unimaginative Soviet tactics that accompany that equipment." And although Syrians have all this new hardware, they have had little opportunity to actually use it.
––Thomas L. Friedman, "Syrian Army Said to be Stronger Than Ever, Thanks to Soviet Union," The New York Times, 21 March, 1983

4 March 1983
Israeli Army Radio reports that a delegation may soon be sent to Washington to "coordinate positions" on the deployment of Soviet SAM-5s and attendant troops in Syria. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Raphael Eytan has made it clear that Israel does not intend to attack Syria or its army, but suggested that Syria may be contemplating an attack on Israel.
––"Israel May Dispatch Delegation to U.S.," Associated Press, 4 March, 1983

12 March 1983
Syria is now believed to have over 50 SAM-5s, with a range of approximately 155 miles.
––"Soviets Pouring Arms Into Syria," Associated Press, 12 March, 1983

17 March 1983
A highly placed Soviet official informed the American government of repercussions should Israel attack Soviet-made SAM-5 missiles located in Syria. The official stressed that it is not to be inferred that the Soviet Union was looking for renewed conflict and that its demonstration of support was normal for an ally. Twelve batteries of SAM-5s are currently located on Syrian territory.
––Ned Temko, "Moscow Warns Israel: Don't Hit SAM-5 Missiles," Christian Science Monitor, 17 March, 1983

17 March 1983
Highly informed sources indicate that five SAM-6 missile bases from the areas of Turbul and Anjar in Lebanon's Biqa'a Valley have recently been dismantled and moved to locations within Syria. Dummy missiles have reportedly been deployed in their place, to confuse reconnaissance operations.
––"Reported Withdrawal of Syrian SAM-6s from the Biqa," Voice of Lebanon as translated by the British Broadcasting Corporation, 19 March, 1983

29 March 1983
A highly placed Soviet official informed the American government of repercussions should Israel attack Soviet-made SAM-5 missiles located in Syria. The official stressed that it is not to be inferred that the Soviet Union was looking for renewed conflict and that its demonstration of support was normal for an ally. Twelve batteries of SAM-5s are currently located on Syrian territory.
––"Syrians Expect Israeli Attack," Associated Press, 29 March, 1983.

29 March 1983
Syrian Prime Minister Abdel Raouf al-Kasm announced in a Cabinet session today that he was confident the country was prepared should an Israeli attack occur. Major General Moshe Levy, soon to take over as Israel's chief of staff, has also stated that his army is "ready for a new confrontation with Syria in the spring or summer."
––"Syrians Expect Israeli Attack," Associated Press, 29 March, 1983.

31 March 1983
The London weekly 'Al Hawadith' suggests that Syria has taken delivery not only of advanced SAM-11 missiles but also MiG 27s from the Soviet Union. This information is not otherwise confirmed.
––"Assessment of Syrian Deployment and Equipment," Israel Radio as translated by the British Broadcasting Corporation, 4 April, 1983.

27-29 April 1983
Radio reporting indicates that approximately 700 Syrian soldiers and Soviet experts have been noted moving missile batteries and heavy artillery between missile bases and emplacements along the Hammarah-Suwayri-Masna axis. The situation is described as noticeably tense in the Biqa'a region, in particular.
––"Military Activity and Tension in Lebanon," Voice of Lebanon as translated by the British Broadcasting Corporation, 29 April, 1983.

Beginning May 1983
Israelis revealed to Secretary of State Schultz that the Russians have provided Syria with a powerful air defense and communications system. SAM-5 missile bases are established at Dumayr and Shinshar [Ed. Note: It appears that the base's name is Shinshar and the town in which it is located is Homs, which explains previous references to the base simply as Homs] and are reportedly off limits to all but Soviet personnel without express permission. The Israels claim the recent addition of SAM-11s to defend the bases, which are capable of hitting targets at a distance of 15 kms. Also guarding the bases are short-range SAM-6 and SAM-8 units.
––"Syria and Russia," The Economist, 7 May, 1983.

23 May 1983
Two SAM-7 [Strella] missiles were reportedly fired at an Israeli helicopter near Amik, in Lebanon, behind the line separating Israeli and Syrian forces. It is unclear whether Syrian or PLO forces are responsible for this incident.
––Edward Walsh, "Israel Reports Syrian Planes Fired at Its Jets," The Washington Post, 25 May, 1983; David Lennon, "Syrian Jets Fire Missiles at Israeli Aircraft," Financial Times, 26 May, 1983.

26 May 1983
According to the Israeli military command, Syrian jets fired air-to-air missiles at Israeli reconnaissance aircraft over eastern Lebanon today, missing their targets. No further details about the incident were revealed.
––Edward Walsh, "Israel Reports Syrian Planes Fired at Its Jets," The Washington Post, 25 May, 1983.

Late May 1983
Recent information suggests that a large quantity of arms and ammunition has been offloaded from Libyan aircraft at the Damascus and Mazzah airports. The freight included "advanced" missiles and air-to-air missiles.
––Edward Walsh, "Israel Reports Syrian Planes Fired at Its Jets," Voice of Lebanon as translated by the British Broadcasting Corporation, 31 May, 1983.

17 July 1983
Israeli Air Force Commander Major General Lapidot declared that Syrian missiles not destroyed in last year's attack have been repositioned within Syrian territory.
––"Israeli Air Force Commander on Absence of Syrian Missiles in Lebanon," Israel Television as translated by the British Broadcasting Corporation, 20 July, 1983.

22 July 1983
Syrian claims of shooting down an Israeli UAV over the Biqa'a Valley have been refuted by Israel. According to Lebanese radio, Syrians fired a SAM-6 that missed its target.
––"Israel Denies Syrian Claim of Spy Plane Shootdown," Christian Science Monitor, 22 July, 1983.

14 September 1983
Syrian helicopters reportedly fired missiles on Aleppo Prison yesterday, killing 150 members of the Muslim Brotherhood. In addition, three explosions rocked the city of Homs, the apparent targets being a Syrian intelligence center and two other government buildings. Two dead and seven seriously wounded are reported as a result of the strikes.
––"Syrian Operation Against Muslim Brotherhood ," Voice of Lebanon as translated by the British Broadcasting Corporation, 17 September, 1983.

18-19 September 1983
According to Lebanese radio, the Lebanese Army clashed for the first time with Syrian forces northeast of Beirut on September 18^th. The following morning, the Lebanese Army repelled a combined Syrian and Palestinian armored vehicle attack on its positions at Souk al Gharb, just 3km from President Amin Gemayel's residence. Lebanese planes also joined in, bombing the joint forces at Adey and Upper Matn. The joint forces reportedly fired on the aircraft with SAM-7s.
––"Syrian, Palestinian Forces Attack Lebanese Army," Xinhua News Agency, 19 September, 1983.

19-20 September 1983
An American military spokesman described the second day of U.S. naval bombardment as "defensive fire," after the American ambassador's residence was exposed to a rocket attack, although it was not hit. Two ships, the Virginia and the John Rodgers, are responsible for the shelling of an area known to be occupied by Syrian-backed Druse, Palestinian and Lebanese leftist militias.
––Thomas L. Friedman, "2 U.S. Warships Again Bombard Artillery Batteries Outside Beirut," The New York Times, 21 September, 1983.

21 September 1983
Syrian forces have reportedly installed SAM-5 and SAM-6s between Duhur al Shuwayr and Runwaysat Sawfar and Alayh. Antiaircraft guns have been installed to insure the protection of the missiles, in addition to distributing SAM-7s among assisting militia groups.
––"SAMs," Voice of Lebanon as translated by the British Broadcasting Corporation, 23 September, 1983.

7 October 1983
According to American intelligence, the Soviet Union is shipping SS-21 missiles to Syria, marking the first time this missile will have been deployed outside the Warsaw Pact. The missile is carried on a six-wheeled transported doubling as a launcher and although capable of launching nuclear warheads, this is deemed highly unlikely in Syria, where it will probably carry conventional warheads. The SS21 is designed to replace the much older Frog 7; it is not only more accurate than the latter, its range is 70-75 miles compared to the Frog's 40.
––Michael Getler, "Latest Mobile Battlefield Weapon; Soviets Sending New Missiles to Syria," The Washington Post, 7 October, 1983; Bernard Gwertzman, "Syria is Reported Awaiting Missile," The New York Times, 7 October, 1983.

8 October 1983
President Reagan confirmed U.S. intelligence reports in his radio address on October 8^th, stressing concern over Syria's recent increase in the Soviet presence and armaments. "Can the United States, or the free world, stand by and see the Middle East incorporated into the Soviet bloc?" said the president.
––Bernard Gwertzman, "Reagan Questions Buildup in Syria," The New York Times, 8 October, 1983.

13 October 1983
Reports from Damacus indicate that Syria has tested its new SS-21 missiles. Although the type of missile was not mentioned, Syrian Defense Minister General Mustafa Tlass supervised the maneuvers, which were reportedly carried out with live ammunition. A press agency dispatch from Damascus describes the event as a "total success."
––G. G. LaBelle, "International News," The Associated Press, 13 October, 1983; "Syrian Military Exercise with SSMs," Damascus Home Service as translated by the British Broadcasting Corporation, 15 October, 1983.

17 October 1983
Trucks reported to be carrying launching pads then, later in the afternoon, missiles were noted in the Biqa'a Valley today. Soviet experts were observed installing the equipment at strategic locations near Tarshish and overlooking the Biqa'a.
––"Soviet Experts Install Missile System," Voice of Lebanon as translated by the British Broadcasting Corporation, 19 October, 1983.

22 October 1983
The Syrian government newspaper Tishrin today published an editorial in response to President Reagan's recent reference to Syria as an obstacle to Middle East Peace. It stated that its Soviet-made missiles would not distinguish between American and Israeli targets, and claimed that Reagan "wants to terrorize Syria."
––G. G. Labelle, "Syrians Threaten to Rocket U.S. Force in Lebanon," The Associated Press, 22 October, 1983.

29 October 1983
According to Syrian TV, Soviet-made missiles widely understood to be the SS-21, were successfully launched in the fifth such test this month.
––"Syria Tests Soviet-Made Missiles," Xinhua News Agency, 30 October, 1983.

10-11 November 1983
Unspecified surface-to-air missiles were launched at U.S. jets in Lebanon on November 10th. In a statement the following day, Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger suggested that there was no evidence that Syrian forces were responsible for the antiaircraft fire. He put no credence in Syria's claim that it had driven off four U.S. F-14 Tomcats.
––Farouk Nassar, "U.S. Jets Under Fire for First Time," The Associated Press, 10 November, 1983; "Weinberger Doubts Syrian Antiaircraft Role," The Associated Press, 11 November, 1983.

13 November 1983
Robert McFarlane, national security adviser to President Reagan, warned that the United States would retaliate should Syrian antiaircraft fire continue to be directed at American planes; he cited the recent invasion of Grenada as an example of the fate that may await such a decision.
––R. Gregory Nokes, "Administration Warns Syria on Antiaircraft Fire," The Associated Press, 13 November, 1983.

17 November 1983
Military sources claim that SAM-9 missiles have long been part of the Syrian arsenal emplaced in Lebanon's Biqa'a Valley. A senior diplomatic source has revealed that the deployment of advanced Soviet missiles in the Sannin hills, and in and around Za'rur, is completed. It is thought that the Soviets may gradually allow the SAM-5s to be Syrian-operated. Neither the Syrian nor the Israeli sides believe an attack is imminent.
––"Israeli Statements on Risk of War with Syria," Israel Home Service as translated by the British Broadcasting Corporation, 17 November, 1983.

17 November 1983
Israeli Prime Minister Yitzaq Shamir affirmed that, contrary to recent reports, Soviets were not leaving Syria but were in fact "consolidating" there.
––"Israeli Statements on Risk of War with Syria," Israel Home Service as translated by the British Broadcasting Corporation, 17 November, 1983.

19 November 1983
Israeli and U.S. military analysts suggest that Syria's manpower and quality Soviet weapons are solidifying its position as the leading Arab military power in the Middle East. Any Israeli air incursions would be sure to be met with heavy antiaircraft fire from guns and missiles manned mostly by Soviet soldiers. Only one of the four main Syrian SAM bases is currently operated by Syrians. Syrian air defense now includes 54 SAM batteries, 25 of which are SAM-6s, in addition to ZSU radar-controlled antiaircraft guns.
––"Syria Said to Pass Egypt as Power," The New York Times, 19 November, 1983.

19 November 1983
Reuters reports that in an interview with Beirut magazine Al Kifah Al Arabi, Syrian Defense Minister Mustafa Tlass declared that if attacked by the United States, pilots are prepared to launch suicide missions against U.S. warships; also, that recently delivered missiles, clearly not SS-21s and with a 180-mile range, are capable of striking targets deep within Israel.
––"Syria Threatens Suicide Raids," The New York Times, 20 November, 1983.

20 November 1983
In the third Israeli strike this month against targets in Syrian parts of Lebanon, as many as 18 aircraft strafed pro-Syrian Palestinian bases in the mountains east of Beirut, in the vicinity of Falougha, Baalchmey, Bhamdoun, Sofar, Kobeih, Dhour al Obeidiah and Deir al Harf. Reporters say at least one Syrian artillery battery and anti-aircraft missiles were observed firing at the warplanes. Syria claims two planes downed; Israel reports one loss only, apparently from a shoulder-fired SAM-7 as it passed near Arbanniye, seven miles east of Beirut.
––Mona Zaide, "International News," The Associated Press, 20 November, 1983; Thomas Friedman, "Israeli Jets Bomb Palestinian Bases in Lebanon Hills," The New York Times, 21 November, 1983.

26 November 1983
A Syrian communiqué distributed by the official news agency SANA claims that U.S. jets were driven off by Syrian air defenses in Lebanon today. A U.S. Department of Defense spokesman was unable to confirm this claim.
––"Syrian Says Air Defenses 'Confront' U.S. Jets," The Associated Press, 26 November, 1983.

4-5 December 1983
In what Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger described as a "defense measure to protect reconnaissance flights," two dozen jet fighters took out Syrian antiaircraft batteries in Lebanon today. Washington confirms two U.S. planes downed in the raid; two U.S. crew members are currently believed held by Syria. The Pentagon categorized the attack as a retaliatory measure. The operation was carried out in the same area where U.S. reconnaissance flights sustained antiaircraft fire recently, east of Beirut –– this was confirmed by President Reagan.
––G.G. LaBelle, "International News," The Associated Press, 4 December, 1983; "President's Remarks on Air Attack," The Associated Press, 4 December, 1983.

4-5 December 1983
A Pentagon statement claimed "significant damage" on a majority of its "point targets": antiaircraft guns and missile batteries. The statement stresses the success of the mission while confirming that the planes were met by heavy antiaircraft gun fire in addition to at least 40 SAM-9 and SAM-7 missiles.
––"Washington Dateline," The Associated Press, 5 December, 1983.

5 December 1983
A Soviet warning transmitted by the government-run TASS news agency indicated that the U.S. air raids were "viewed as a serious threat to peace in the Middle East." Soviet head spokesman Zamyatin condemned the action against Syrian forces in Lebanon as "acts of banditry and aggression being carried out for more than a year now by Israeli forces with the assistance of the U.S. armed forces."
––Dusko Doder, "Soviets Say U.S. Attack Poses 'Serious Threat'," The Washington Post, 6 December, 1983.

6 December 1983
Syria claims two Israeli drones shot down behind Syrian lines in Lebanon today; Israel confirms one. Western military sources state that Israel employs the pilotless drones to ascertain radar frequencies, provide televised reconnaissance information, and gauge SAM battery reactions.
––Thomas L. Friedman, "Damascus Claims 2 Israeli Drones," The New York Times, 7 December, 1983.

12 December 1983
Pentagon sources confirm a list of targets in Lebanon to be bombed should further terrorist actions against American installations occur. These include Syrian-manned antiaircraft missile sites. Pentagon officials are reportedly convinced that the recent suicide bombings in Lebanon could not have occurred without Syrian assistance.
––"Domestic News," The Associated Press, 12 December, 1983.

13 December 1983
Two U.S. Navy ships shelled Syrian-controlled antiaircraft gun and missile emplacements following the shelling of U.S. reconnaissance planes. This sets into motion the new U.S. policy of "instant retaliation" in Lebanon.
––"U.S. Initiates 'Instant Retaliation' Policy in Mideast," The Washington Post, 14 December, 1983.

15 December 1983
In a second day of action, the U.S. battleship New Jersey fired at Syrian antiaircraft positions east of Beirut.
––"The New Jersey Again Opens Fire," The New York Times, 16 December, 1983.

18 December 1983
U.S. military spokesmen today acknowledged the U.S. Navy's immediate shelling of Syrian-controlled antiaircraft positions in Lebanon, in retaliation for an attack on American reconnaissance flights. Also in Lebanon, Israeli jets targeting Palestinian guerilla bases in the Syrian sector drew surface-to-air missile fire; heat flares from the attacking planes deflected the barrage.
––Terry A. Anderson, "International News," The Associated Press, 19 December, 1983.

21 December 1983
According to Damascus Radio, Israeli aircraft were "forced to retreat by Syrian missiles."
––"Israeli Air Raid on Pro-Iranian Positions in Lebanon," The Voice of Lebanon as translated by the British Broadcasting Corporation, 22 December, 1983.

29 December 1983
Syrian antiaircraft emplacements fired at Israeli jets engaged in mock divebombing exercises over southern and eastern Lebanon today. Reportedly, none of the jets were struck, having released heat balloons to deflect surface-to-air missiles.
––Farouk Nassar, "International News," The Associated Press, 29 December, 1983.

3 January 1984
Syria has released U.S. Navy Lt. Robert Goodman Jr. Goodman's jet had been shot down during a U.S. raid on Syrian antiaircraft positions on December 4^th, as a result of which the pilot died and Goodman was taken prisoner. A Syrian statement said that the release was "intended to encourage a withdrawal of U.S. forces in Lebanon." The raid had been mounted in response to Syrian batteries firing on U.S. reconnaissance planes. Secretary of State George Shultz thanked Jesse Jackson for his efforts in gaining the airman's release which, he added, "can only be helpful to the course of relations between our two countries."
— Farouk Nassar, "International News," The Associated Press, 3 January, 1984; R. Gregory Nokes, "Release of Goodman a Peace Offering From Damascus?" The Associated Press, 4 January, 1984.

3 January 1984
Navy Secretary Lehman stated that a Soviet SAM-9 was probably responsible for downing the plane in which Goodman had been flying.
––Fred S. Hoffman, "Washington Dateline," The Associated Press, 5 January, 1984.
.
17 January 1984
On orders from Syrian President Assad, an artillery and missile group carried out a live ammunition exercise. The unidentified missiles reportedly "scored direct hits on the set targets."
—"Military Exercise With Live Ammunition," Damascus Home Service as translated by the British Broadcasting Corporation, 20 January, 1984.

19 January 1984
Reports indicate that Syrian military trucks unloaded an estimated 200 tons of ammunitions, including Grad missiles, to Hammanah, ostensibly to be transported to nearby mountain battlefronts.
—"Reported Syrian Military Activity in Lebanon," Voice of Lebanon as translated by the British Broadcasting Corporation, 20 January, 1984.

6 February 1984
President Hafez Assad is reported gravely ill, setting off a 'superpower scramble' in the Middle East to back replacement candidates, should he succumb. The Soviets, concerned that U.S. favorite Rifaat Assad would tilt Syria away from dependence on Moscow, have agreed to considerably enhance military aid to the regime, including SAM-5 antiaircraft missiles, advanced electronic warfare and MiG-27 fighters. In addition, the Soviets now declare support for Syria's position in Lebanon, stating that they will back Syria if war should break out with Israel.
—John Pearson, "After Assad: The Superpowers Scramble to Back Syria's Next Leader," Business Week, 6 February, 1984.

8 February 1984
Two U.S. Navy ships, the New Jersey and the Caron pounded Syrian and Druse missile and artillery batteries in a swath extending from Shuweifat, south of Beirut, to Shtaura, over 20 miles east of Beirut. Over 500 shells were fired. The bombardment was ordered in response to shelling directed at the capital. Most of the targets were reportedly located in the mountainous region near Hammanah, about 15 miles east of Beirut. [See: 19 January 1984].
—Thomas L. Friedman, "U.S. Battleship Pounds Hills Held by Syrians in Lebanon; Britain; Pulling Out Troops," The New York Times, 9 January, 1984

14 February 1984
At the request of the Lebanese command, the guided missile destroyer USS Claude V. Ricketts shelled Syrian-controlled artillery positions in central Lebanon today, blasting Druse militia positions in the mountains southeast of Beirut. In other action, surface-to-air missiles were fired at Lebanese jets flying over the Chouf Mountains.
—Farouk Nassar, "International News," The Associated Press, 14 February, 1984

27-29 February 1984
In the continuing power struggle to succeed ailing President Assad, the Defence Companies [armored brigades considered better equipped even than the regular army] commanded by Rifaat Assad took up positions directly across from an unusually heavy complement of presidential guards at the presidential palace. There was some shooting in the street and positions on both sides were reinforced in buildings throughout Damascus. Rifaat also deployed a battery of SAM-8's on a mountain overlooking the capital and blocked any opposition advance into the city. Multiple rocket launchers, tanks and artillery pointed directly on the capital.

Only when the president personally intervened with his brother on February 28^th was open confrontation avoided; he also took the precaution of canceling all military leave. An all-night convocation of the regional council of the Ba'ath party on February 29^th defused much of the tension, culminating in the unprecedented appointment of three vice-presidents: Rifaat, the president's brother; Foreign Minister Abdel-Hakim Khaddam; and Zuheir Masharqa, assistant regional secretary of the Ba'ath Party.
—"Syria's Shadowy Power Struggle," Manchester Guardian Weekly, 18 March, 1984

20 May 1984
Israeli aircraft bombed Syrian antiaircraft missile positions in Lebanon, just 2 1/2 miles from the border with Syria.
—"Israel Bombs Targets in Eastern Lebanon," Christian Science Monitor, 21 May, 1984

27 May 1984
Massive daily reinforcements along the front lines of the Biqa'a Valley, on both the Syrian and Israeli sides, have led to a very tense atmosphere. Observers have noted quite extensive reinforcements and fortifications of the Syrian's SAM missile network deployed along the Turbul-Kafr Zabad line, in addition to installing radar networks on higher ground. Nightly small-caliber skirmishes are reported in the narrow buffer zone (200-400m) between the two camps.
—"Phalangist Assessment of Syrian and Israeli Biqa Deployment," Voice of Lebanon as translated by the British Broadcasting Corporation, 30 May, 1984.

29 April 1985
Western sources reveal that Soviet air defense troops that had manned Syrian SAM-5 batteries returned to the Soviet Union in October, and a third of all advisers have been returning little by little since that time. Numbers are reported to have dropped from a high of 6,000 to as few as 4,000, although another source suggests that these numbers may be much lower, dropping to 2,000-3,000.
—Christopher Dickey, "Many Soviet Advisers Withdrawn From Syria; Assad's Tight Control Seen as Factor," The Washington Post, 29 April, 1985.
.
13 June 1985
The Swedish arms manufacturer Bofors has been implicated in illegal missile and explosive sales to countries in the Middle East and Africa, among them Dubai, Bahrain, Syria, Ethiopia, Iraq, Iran, Libya, South Africa and Israel. Allegations first arose in mid-1984. There are two official investigations currently underway –– by Swedish police and customs agents. Several hundred surface-to-air Robot 70 missiles are thought to figure among the alleged contraband.
—Roland Stanbridge, "Illegal Arms Deals Alleged Against Bofors / Sweden," The Guardian (London), 13 June, 1985

22 June-5 July 1985
Syria began withdrawing its troops from Lebanon on June 22, including the last air defense unit, consisting of a single SAM-8 brigade. The missiles have reportedly been moved close to the inside of the border with Syria. The total number of troops redeployed is unknown; estimates range from 8,000 to 20,000 troops back in Syria. The remaining forces –– seven brigades or so –– are thought to be concentrated mainly in the Biqa'a Valley, in addition to a few regiments of paratroopers based in the Tripoli area. Western analysts forecast that the withdrawal will reduce tensions with Israel.
—Scott McLeod, "Syria's Troop Pullback From Lebanon Eases Tensions," Christian Science Monitor, 22 July, 1985

30 July 1985
Israeli jets raided Syrian-supported Palestinian bases located in the vicinity of Bar Elias, 31 miles east of Beirut. A Syrian communiqué reports that the planes were driven away by antiaircraft fire; the Israeli military command reported the mission accomplished and a safe return.
—"Syria Says Israeli Raid Killed Mostly Civilians," The Associated Press, 30 July, 1985

21 August 1985
Syrian-backed Druze militia launched missiles and rockets at the coast and Christian Maronite village of Tannourine, 50 km northeast of Beirut.
—Nora Boustany, "Rival Factions Pour Hail of Vengeance on Beirut," Financial Times (London), 21 August, 1985.

Early-Mid October 1985
Syria issued an apology to Israeli regarding the firing of a SAM-2 missile at an Israeli warplane, which it missed. Syria characterized the event as a mistake, taken on the initiative of a low-ranking field officer.
—Nora Boustany, "Rival Factions Pour Hail of Vengeance on Beirut," Financial Times (London), 21 August, 1985.

19-22 November 1985
The Israeli military command reports that Syria has deployed SAM antiaircraft missiles to three different locations, including the Zabadani Heights, about 20 miles northwest of Damascus; south of the city of Homs, and south of the port city of Tartus. Future Israeli reconnaissance missions over Lebanon will therefore now be exposed not only to the SAM-2s, but also to SAM-6 and SAM-8 missiles already installed in that area. Prime Minister Peres stated that Israel is interested in "neither a confrontation nor an escalation," however Lt. Gen. Moshe Levy, the Army chief of staff, pointedly made reference to Israeli air strikes against such installations when a similar redeployment occurred in 1982. The Syrian move is thought to be in response to an aerial dogfight that resulted in the downing of two Syrian MiG-23s on 19 November. SAM-2s are the largest Soviet surface-to-air missiles, with a 25 to 35-mile range, for use against high flying aircraft.
—William Claiborne, "Israel Warns About Syrian Missile Sites," The Washington Post, 16 December, 1985; Thomas L. Friedman, "Israel Says Syria Put New Missiles Close to Lebanon," The New York Times, 16 December, 1985.

15 December 1985
According to Damascus Radio, a ceremony held at an unidentified Syrian naval base formalized the Soviet transfer of an undisclosed number of naval vessels. The vessels, described by the Syrian chief of staff as "highly sophisticated technologically," may be fast attack craft equipped with surface-to-surface missiles, which are known to have been on order with the Soviets.
—Ihsan Hijazi, "Syria Receives Undisclosed Number of Naval Craft From Russians," The New York Times, 16 December, 1985.

15-16 December 1985
Again drawing parallels to the 1982 Syrian missile deployment that prompted Israeli air attacks [see 19-22 November 1985], Israeli military officials spoke "menacingly" of an "extremely dangerous situation." Defense Minister Rabin struck a softer note the following day, however, stating that there was currently no justification for a similar attack on Syrian soil.
—William Claiborne, "Israel Eases Reaction to Missiles; Rabin: No Reason to Attack Syria," The Washington Post, 17 December, 1985.

17 December 1985
The United States apprised Damascus that the November 19 action was not a signal of revised Israeli military policy and that the airspace violation had been a mistake. It has urged both Israel and Syria to "exercise restraint" in this matter. Despite appeals to remove the newly emplaced offending missiles, Syria has not complied.
––Don Oberdorfer, "U.S. Asks Restraint on Missiles; Likelihood of an Israeli-Syrian Clash Appears to be Diminishing," The Washington Post, 17 December, 1985.

25-26 December 1985
Damascus Radio reveals that a message from Soviet President Gorbachev has assured Syria of its support regarding their deployment of missiles along the border with Lebanon, an event that Israel has hotly condemned [see 15-16 December]. Israeli Prime Minister Peres asserts that Syria moved the surface-to-air missiles deployed along its border with Lebanon, into Lebanon. Israel has determined, however, not to fuel an escalation with Syria over the issue.
—Ihsan Hijazi, "Moscow Backs Syria in Missile Feud With Israel," The New York Times, 26 December, 1985; William Claiborne, "Moscow Backs Syria in Missile Feud With Israel," The New York Times, 26 December, 1985.

1986 and 1987
Syria attempts to obtain from the Soviets the 900km range Scaleboard SS-12 and the shorter-range SS-23. [Moscow refuses both requests].
––Kenneth Timmerman, Weapons of Mass Destruction: The Cases of Iran, Syria, and Libya (Los Angeles: Simon Wiesenthal Center, 1992), p. 69.

5 January 1986
The SAM-6 and SAM-8 antiaircraft missiles that have been between Syria and Lebanon twice since a 19 November 1985 aerial incident, have been withdrawn once again inside the Syrian border.
—Don Oberdorfer, "Syria Pulls Missiles Out of Lebanon," The Washington Post, 5 January, 1986.

7 January 1986
The Israeli army command denied reports that Syrian SAM-6s had fired on Israeli reconnaissance planes flying over the Biqa'a Valley. The army announcement came soon after Prime Minister Peres commented on the likely danger of war "unless both countries behave properly."
—Ian Black, "Israel Warns on Peril of War / Premier Peres Calls for Peace With Syria," The Guardian (London), 8 January, 1986.

12 January 1986
Syria today defended its right to install antiaircraft missiles along its border with Lebanon and in the Biqa'a region of Lebanon.
—Elaine Sciolino, "Syria Defends Its Rights to Place Border Missiles," The New York Times, 13 January, 1986.

29 January 1986
Israeli planes struck at Palestinian guerilla bases located south of Sidon, in Lebanon. It is thought that this may have been an attempt to test the tacit balance of power between Israel and Syria in the region -- the planes fired within striking distance of Syrian SAM-2 batteries installed nearby.
—Joel Greenberg, "Israel Tackles Renewed Palestinian Threat in Lebanon With Return to 1982 Tactics," Christian Science Monitor, 30 January, 1986.

9 May 1986
CIA sources indicate that a shipment of 50 Stinger antiaircraft missiles reportedly headed for South Africa was hijacked and redirected to Libya, Syria and Lebanon.
—D. Costello, "Israel Warns on Peril of War / Premier Peres Calls for Peace With Syria," Courier-Mail, 9 May, 1986.

21 May 1986
Sources say that Syria is to receive "advanced weapons," to include SS-23 long-range missiles, from the Soviet Union before the end of the year.
—"New Soviet Weapons for Syria, Report Says," Associated Press, 21 May, 1986.

8 August 1986
In a speech delivered today, Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres asserted that Syria is "spending large sums to acquire surface-to-surface missiles and to develop chemical warheads."
—L. Swayn, "Warning of Syrian Poison Gas Missiles," Telegraph, 8 August, 1986.

11 August 1986
In an operation described as "particularly dangerous" by military analysts, Israel passed within shooting distance of Syrian surface-to-air missiles situated just across the Syrian-Lebanese border, in Syria – as part of a preventive action against Palestinian terrorist camps. The SAMs did not fire at the jets.
—Andrew Whitley, "Israel Attacks Bases Near Baalbeck," Financial Times (London), 12 August, 1986.

12 August 1986
Arab and Western diplomatic sources indicate that Iran has in its possession 20 to 30 SCUD-B missiles provided by Libya and Syria.
—"Iran and Iraq Trade Strikes on Refineries," Associated Press, 13 August, 1986.

27 August 1986
Syria and Libya have revived an alliance directed primarily against Israel and the United States. News reports state that Syria has agreed to send air defense crews to Libya to assist in manning surface-to-air missiles and fighters.
—Ihsan Hijazi, "Assad Meets Qaddafi and Vows to Defend Libya," The New York Times, 28 August, 1986.

23 September 1986
Israeli jets attack Syrian-backed Palestinian guerrilla bases in the hills east of Beirut today. Guerrillas reciprocated by firing antiaircraft missiles and guns, none of which hit their targets.
—"Israeli Jets Hit Suspected Guerrilla Bases East of Beirut," Associated Press-Reuter, 23 September, 1986.

26-29 October 1986
A French arms deal with Syria, valued at 200 to 300 million pounds sterling and involving helicopters, tank parts artillery in addition to a large number of missiles, is said to await only the approval of Prime Minister Jacques Chirac. The French Government has denied the allegation of a pending arms sale to Syria.
—"Fury Over New French Arms Sale to Syria," The Times (London), 26 October, 1986; Campbell Page, "French Repeat Syrian Arms Denial," The Guardian, 27 October, 1986.

30-31 October 1986
French Foreign Minister Jean-Bernard Raimond revealed that arms contracts with Syria concluded in 1982 and 1984 have been blocked. The deals were for helicopter gunships and missiles. The following day, Chirac spokesman Denis Baudoin issued a triple denial: of selling arms to Syria, of negotiating a loan to Damascus and of a truce with Arab terrorists suspected of recent bombings in Paris.
––Campbell Page, "France Halts Arms Deliveries to Syria," The Guardian, 30 October, 1986; Paul Betts, "France in Triple Denial on Links With Arab World," Financial Times (London), 31 October, 1986.

23 November 1986
Britain's Sunday Telegraph weekly reports that Libya has forwarded nerve gas warheads for Scud-B missiles to Syria and Iran.
—"Soviets Sold Nerve Gas to Libya Paper Says," Associated Press, 24 November, 1986.

27 November 1986
Jane's Defence Weekly asserts that one of the main arms pipelines to Iran, including missiles, spare parts aircraft, tanks and other war materiel, is Syria. In addition, the authoritative publication reports that Syria is producing chemical weapons in Damascus and Homs, converting surface-to-surface missiles to carry the nerve gas. It confirms earlier reports that Libya provided the nerve gas warheads for the missiles [see 23 November 1986].
—"Jane's Says Iran 'Will Take Anything'," Associated Press, 28 November, 1986; "Syrian Warheads Carry Nerve Gas," Courier-Mail, 28 November, 1986.

11 December 1986
Israeli warplanes attack several Syrian-backed Palestinian guerrilla bases in north Lebanon, including that of Abu Nidal northeast of Tripoli, bases of the Abu Musa faction, and bases just north of Nahr el-Bared -- reputedly belonging to leftist Lebanese factions and a major base for Syrian-backed guerrillas. Guerrillas fired at the jets with antiaircraft missiles and guns but no hits were reported.
—"5 Said Killed as Israeli Jets Stage Attacks in Lebanon," Associated Press, 11 December, 1986.

. 14 January 1987
Israeli Vice Admiral Abraham Ben-Shussan divulged that Moscow has furnished Syria with its first submarines, along with an unknown number of missile-equipped USSA-2 and Nanuchka vessels.
—"World Digest," St. Petersburg Times, 15 January, 1987.

27 March 1987
In a new book, Middle East expert Anthony Cordesman claims a recent deployment of SS-23 surface-to-surface missiles in Syria. [see also 21 May 1986 and 24 July 1987] Authoritative sources later suggest that "published reports" of Syrian ownership of SS-23 missiles have not been substantiated.
—"Could Syrian Arms Growth Spark War?," Christian Science Monitor, 27 March, 1987; Jim Hoagland, Patrick E. Tyler, "Reduced Soviet Arms Flow Weakens Syrian Military," The Washington Post, 25 September, 1987.

29 April 1987
Commenting on a recent visit by Syrian President Assad to Moscow, Western diplomats believe the Soviet Union will be providing Syria with more surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, in addition to tanks and jet fighters. It is also thought that Gorbachev has agreed to reschedule Syria's debt.
—Ihsan Hijazi, "New Soviet Aid to Syria Reported," The New York Times, 30 April, 1987.

24 July 1987
Diplomatic and intelligence sources reveal that the Soviet Union is denying Syria a supply of SS-23 missiles and delaying a MiG-29 delivery. These actions are thought to reflect Moscow's impatience with Syria over a number of Middle East issues, especially Premier Gorbachev's desire for better relations with Israel. The SS-23 has a more than 300-mile range, conceivably allowing Syria to strike at any target within Israel.
—Ian Black, "Moscow Steps Up Pressure on Syria by Blocking Arms Sales," The Guardian, 24 July, 1987.

24 August 1987
In the first such incident in five years, Syrian military sources claim having fired missiles at Israeli reconnaissance planes flying over the Biqa'a Valley of Lebanon, from Syrian territory. Eyewitness accounts suggest the missiles "exploded harmlessly in mid-air."
—"Syrians Say They Fired Missiles at Israeli Jets," Reuter, 26 August, 1987.

Beginning September - 6 September 1987
Italian police have apprehended 32 suspects following the interception of a Lebanese cargo vessel that revealed a cache that included Italian-manufactured weapons such as missiles, RPGs and mines, in addition to heroin and hashish. The investigation has implicated Syria as one of the main transshipment points for smuggling ring's weapons, which were usually bound for Iran.
—Roger Boyes, "Mafia Links With Tehran Shock Italy," The Times (London), 7 September, 1987.

	Updated May 2006