DTN News: Paris Air Show Top Stories / Headlines News Dated June 17, 2013

Defense News: DTN News: Paris Air Show Top Stories / Headlines News Dated June 17, 2013

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Major News Media

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 17, 2013: Comprehensive daily news related to Paris Air Show from Le Bourget, France.

*Comprehensive daily news related to Paris Air Show from Le Bourget, France.

Paris Air Show: Airbus, Boeing, Embraer land Monday orders USA TODAY Le BOURGET, France — Thunderstorms and torrential downpours put a damper on the start of the 2013 Paris Air Show, though visitors were treating to some sun later in the day. Highlights from today's show — which kicked off this morning (June 17) just ... See all stories on this topic »

Paris Air Show 2013: Embraer unveils next generation of regional jet, hiking ... The Province Brazil's Embraer S.A. upped the ante in its dogfight with Bombardier Inc. on Monday by launching its next generation of regional jets at the Paris Air Show. The so-called E-Jet E2 family will not only compete against Bombardier's current slate of ... See all stories on this topic »

Paris Air Show: Long-haul jets get boost with promised orders for Airbus, Boeing Washington Post LE BOURGET, France — Airbus and Boeing won pledges for big purchases of their lucrative long-haul wide-body jets at the Paris Air Show Monday, raising hopes that demand is recovering following the worldwide recession. The global aviation event at Le ... See all stories on this topic »

Paris Air Show 2013: 'We're days away' from first CSeries flight, says ... Financial Post Guy Hachey, Bombardier Aerospace president, sat down at the Paris Air Show with the Financial Post to give an update on the company's new CSeries aircraft and what's next for the company. This is an edited version of that discussion. Q: Can you give us ... See all stories on this topic »

Paris Air Show peek: Wide-body battle and drones Seattle Post Intelligencer (blog) PARIS (AP) — The Paris Air Show, which opened for business on Monday, brings hundreds of aircraft to the skies around the French capital, the usual tense competition between aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus, and a slew of innovations large and ... See all stories on this topic »

Paris Airshow: Orders for big jets make a splash Reuters India PARIS (Reuters) - Big finance waded into a rain-soaked Paris Airshow with more than $10 billion in orders for jumbo passenger jets as planemakers duelled over strategy for large aircraft on Monday. The world's biggest aircraft lessor, a unit of General ... See all stories on this topic »

Paris Air Show: Airbus Beats Boeing Sky News The world's biggest air show has started with a huge order for the Airbus superjumbo and deals for Boeing's troubled Dreamliner. The two rivals announced a slew of orders at the Paris Air Show, where they traditionally battle for supremacy in the ... See all stories on this topic »

Paris Airshow: Qatar Airways and Boeing announce agreement for nine 777 ... Arabian Aerospace Above: Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker (left) with Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner as the airline announced an order for nine new Boeing 777 aircraft at the Paris Air Show today. The agreements include a firm order for two ... See all stories on this topic »

Paris Air Show: Aerojet Rocketdyne would bring thousands of jobs to Huntsville ... The Birmingham News - al.com Speaking Sunday at a reception held by Huntsville's delegation to the Paris Air Show, Aerojet Rocketdyne President Warren Boley said if his company wins the right to build the engine for NASA's planned Space Launch System, it would mean thousands of ... See all stories on this topic »

Paris Air Show: Embraer unveils revamped jet to challenge CSeries Toronto Star The world's biggest rivalry between Boeing and Airbus quickly moved into high gear Monday as both companies reported billions in new orders at the Paris Air Show. And Brazil's Embraer officially unveiled its revamped regional jets, known as the E2 ... See all stories on this topic »

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DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 17, 2013

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 17, 2013
Source: U.S. DoD issued No.  440-13 June 17, 2013
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 17, 2013: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued  June 17, 2013  are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

ARMY

            The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Penn., was awarded a firm-fixed-price, multi-year contract with a maximum base value of $3,414,000,002 for the production of remanufactured and new-build CH-47F cargo helicopters.  A portion of this contract is in support of foreign military sales for Turkey and United Arab Emirates.  The total of the contract if all options are exercised will be $4,983,900,022.  The estimated completion date is Dec. 31, 2020.  A combination of fiscal 2011, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013 Procurement funds in the amount of $1,316,639,035 are being obligated on this award.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-13-C-0002). 

            Rosoboronexport, Russia was awarded a $572,180,894 firm-fixed-price contract modification for 30 Mi-17 helicopters, spare parts, test equipment and engineering support services. The Mi-17 military helicopters will be used by the Afghan National Security Forces Special Mission Wing, an aviation unit that supports counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics and special operations missions. Work will be performed in Russia and is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2014.  This contract involves foreign military sales.  FY12 funds in the amount of $572,180,894 are being obligated at time of award.  Army contracting command Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Ala. is the contracting activity (W58RGZ11-C-0072/P0006). 

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

            Virtual Imaging Inc., Deerfield, Fla.,has been awarded a maximum $111,087,410 (P00026) modification exercising the fourth option year of a one year base contract (SPM2D1-09-D-8343) with eight one-year option periods and covers radiology systems, subsystems, and components.  The contract is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract.  Location of performance is Florida with a June 23, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2014 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.

AIR FORCE

            Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz. has been awarded a $52,481,230 firm-fixed-price contract to procure Maverick air-to-ground missile 65 and Training Guided Missile 65 variants D,G, K and K2 and missile maintenance trainer (MMT) to support foreign military sales.  Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2015.  The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/EBHK, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8213-13-C-0032). 

            Cubic Applications, Inc., San Diego, Calif., has been awarded a $6,619,241 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to conduct research for technology integration under U.S. Pacific Command’s (PACOM)'s Joint innovation and experimentation initiatives, develop and evaluate various operational aspects including tactics, techniques, and procedures; participation in joint tests and evaluations; and concept evelopment..  Work will be performed at San Diego, Calif., and USPACOM headquarters, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by June 16, 2015.  Fiscal 2012 Research and Development in the amount of $522,985 are being obligated at the time of award.  The Air Force Research Laboratory/RQKHA, Wright-Patterson, Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-13-C-6398). 

NAVY

            BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $22,527,198 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-10-C-2204) to exercise an option for services and material for USS Arlington (LPD 24) post-shakedown availability.  Specific efforts include: program management, planning, engineering, design, liaison, scheduling, labor and procurement of incidental material in support of fitting out availability and post-shakedown availability.  Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., (90.53 percent), and Chesapeake, Va., (9.47 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 2014.  Fiscal 2012 Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy funding in the amount of $1,405,133 will be obligated at time of award.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. 

            Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $9,931,106 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-03-C-5115) for DDG Modernization testing efforts associated with the Aegis Combat System and MK 59 Decoy Launcher System shipcheck studies onboard DDG 62.  Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (40 percent), Norfolk, Va. (38 percent), Moorestown, N.J. (8 percent), Washington, D.C. (7 percent), Port Hueneme, Calif. (3 percent), Bath, Maine (2 percent), Pascagoula, Miss. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2013.  Funding in the amount of $9,931,106 will be obligated at time of award.  Fiscal 2013 Operations and Maintenance, Navyand fiscal 2013 Research, Development, Test and Evaluation funds in the amount of $9,917,702 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY

            Microsoft Corporation Sitz, Redmond, Wash., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract with a total cumulative face value of $412,240,000. The minimum guarantee is $5,000, for Microsoft Enterprise Technical Support Services (METSS) necessary to obtain highly trained "Microsoft Blue Badge Cardholder-support".  These services require access rights to Microsoft's proprietary (closed-source) code, which is licensed under exclusive legal right of Microsoft.  The core requirements are for the contractor to provide Microsoft Consulting Services that include software developers and product teams to leverage a variety of proprietary resources and source code, and Microsoft Premier Support services such as tools and knowledge bases, problem resolution assistance from product developers, and access to Microsoft source code when applicable to support Department of Defense's mission. The period of performance is a one-year base period and four one-year option periods for a total period of five years.  Performance will predominantly be within the continental United States; however, support services may also be required at multiple overseas locations.  The original solicitation was issued as an other than full and open competitive action, one proposal was received.  The Defense Information Technology Contracting organization, Scott AFB, Ill., is the contracting activity (HC1028-13-D-0023). 

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD issued No.  440-13 June 17, 2013
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DTN News - PARIS AIR SHOW: Russian Fighter Jet Makes A Big Comeback At The Paris Air Show

Defense News: DTN News - PARIS AIR SHOW: Russian Fighter Jet Makes A Big Comeback At The Paris Air Show

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Press Release - Paris Air Show
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 17, 2013: Visitors to the 50th Paris Air Show in June will be treated to daily flight demonstrations of  the Sukhoi Su 35 presented by United Aircraft Corporation.

Irkut Corporation’s Yak 130, military training aircraft, will also be presented in flight.
And finally, Super Jet International will be showing its 100-seat commercial airliner, the 
Super Jet 100, in the static display area.

The organizers are delighted to see so many Russian aircraft at Le Bourget this year, 
adding to the variety of flying displays of interest to both trade visitors and the general 
public.

Over 2,000 exhibitors from 44 countries have booked so far. All the chalet units and 
exhibition stands are reserved: 350 chalets, 51,000 m2 of stand space in 6 halls and 43,000 m2 of outside exhibition space. Some 120 aircraft are registered and there will be 27 national pavilions occupying an area of almost 30,000 m2
.
“With a full complement of exhibitors, the 50th Paris Air Show promises to be a 
resounding success. This is a reflection of the booming aerospace industry and confirms 
our position as the world’s leading air show”, says Emeric d’Arcimoles, Commissaire

Général of the International Paris Air Show.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Press Release - Paris Air Show
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DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 11, 2013

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 11, 2013
Source: U.S. DoD issued No.  428-13 June 11, 2013
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 11, 2013: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued  June 10, 2013  are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

 DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

             Landoll Corp., Marysville, Kan., has been awarded a maximum $633,000,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for procurement of commercial type material handling equipment.  Location of performance is Kansas with a June 10, 2018 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2018 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPE8EC-13-D-0019). 

            Artcraft Optical Company Inc.*, Rochester, N.Y., has been awarded a maximum $11,069,988 modification (P00006) exercising the fourth option year of a one-year base with four one-year option periods contract (SPM2DE-09-D-7539) for the optical electronic catalog program for aircrew spectacle frames.  The contract is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.  Location of performance is New York with a June 30, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa. 

            Meadow Gold Dairy, Honolulu, Hawaii, has been awarded a maximum $7,950,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-quantity contract.  This contract is for market ready milk and dairy products.  Locations of performance are Hawaii and various locations throughout the continental United States with a June 11, 2016 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012 through fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPE300-13-D-V108).  

NAVY

             Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $19,263,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-award-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-5103) to exercise options for fiscal 2013 Aegis Platform Systems Engineering Agent activities and Aegis Modernization Advanced Capability Build engineering.  The Platform Systems Engineering Agent manages the in-service combat systems configurations, as well as the integration of new or upgraded capability into CG 47 and DDG 51 class ships.  Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., and is expected to be completed by September 2013.  Fiscal 2013 Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, fiscal 2012 Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy, and fiscal 2013 Operations & Maintenance, Navy funding in the amount of $19,263,000 will be obligated at the time of contract award.  Contract funds in the amount of $63,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. 

U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

            Trivec-Avant Corp., Huntington Beach, Calif. (H92222-13-D-0010), and Antenna Research Associates Inc., Beltsville, Md. (H92222-13-D-001), were awarded a maximum $10,000,000, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for nine types of UHF SATCOM antennas to be used in various configurations by special operations forces.  Both contracts have a period of performance not to exceed five years.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Operations and Maintenance funds.  This award was the result of a competitive acquisition with seven bids received.  The U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity. 

*Small Business

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD issued No.  428-13 June 11, 2013
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Transfers 1st C-17 to Indian Air Force

Defense News: DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Transfers 1st C-17 to Indian Air Force
>Flight test program completed on schedule
>Airlifter departs for India

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 11, 2013: The Indian Air Force (IAF) flew its first Boeing [NYSE: BA] C-17 Globemaster III to India today, becoming the newest operator of the leading airlifter. 

"The C-17 will equip the Indian Air Force with amongst the world's most advanced humanitarian and strategic capabilities," said Air Vice Marshal SRK Nair, Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Transport and Helicopters). "We have looked forward to this day when our Indian Air Force flies the first C-17 to its new home in India."

Boeing is on track to deliver four more C-17s to the IAF this year and five in 2014. This first aircraft was transferred today after completion of a flight test program at Edwards Air Force Base in Palmdale, Calif., that began following the Jan. 22 delivery.

"Congratulations to the Indian Air Force on this milestone as India joins the worldwide community of C-17 operators," said Tommy Dunehew, Boeing vice president of Business Development for Mobility, Surveillance and Engagement. "Nations turn to the C-17 for the capability to perform a wide range of operations, from peacekeeping and disaster relief to troop movements from semi-prepared airfields. This aircraft will provide the Indian Air Force with the versatility to augment airlift capability."

Boeing has now delivered 254 C-17s, including 222 to the U.S. Air Force and a total of 32 C-17s to Australia, Canada, India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.

Boeing will support the IAF C-17 fleet through the Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program (GISP) Performance-Based Logistics contract. The GISP "virtual fleet" arrangement ensures mission readiness by providing all C-17 customers access to an extensive support network for worldwide parts availability and economies of scale.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 59,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

A related photo will be available soon at boeing.mediaroom.com.

Contact:        

Cindy Anderson
Mobility, Surveillance and Engagement
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Office: +1 562-593-4477
Mobile: +1 562-253-5818
cindy.a.anderson@boeing.com

Amrita Dhindsa
India Communications
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Office: +91-96546-06067
amrita.dhindsa@boeing.com

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News - SYRIA UNREST: Hezbollah Unites Clans To Raise Border Force

Defense News: DTN News - SYRIA UNREST: Hezbollah Unites Clans To Raise Border Force
*Patrols intensified and reinforcements deployed along Lebanon-Syria border after anti-Assad rebels ousted from the area.

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Aljazeera
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 11, 2013: Hezbollah has significantly increased its presence along Lebanon's northern border to prevent Syria's conflict from spilling into its territory, after recent Syrian Army gains ousted rebels in the region.

Sources within Hezbollah and close to Lebanon's Shia political-military group said more forces have been deployed to the border to prevent rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad's army from entering the country. The mobilisation is also intended to thwart a repeat of last week's events when a barrage of rockets fired by Syrian rebels hit the historic town of Baalbek and surrounding areas.

The rocket attack last Wednesday came hours after Assad's forces re-captured the strategic city of Qusayr after days of heavy fighting. Syrian rebels accused Hezbollah of sending thousands of fighters to join the battle on the side of Assad.

"We have increased the number of people on the border and the number of patrols conducted along there, and within the Lebanese territories to prevent armed groups from infiltrating," a Hezbollah member told Al Jazeera, on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

Other groups have set up armed patrols in key towns, such as Baalbek, conducting stop and searches of people deemed suspicious.

Baalbek, a town in the plains of the Bekaa Valley, is home to about 75,000 residents of a variety of religious sects. It is a popular tourist destination because of the ancient Roman ruins located in the town's centre.

"With Hezbollah concentrating on the border areas, we're running patrols in the towns and between the towns," Ahmad, a Baalbek resident and a member of the newly established patrols, told Al Jazeera.

"We all thought Hezbollah was protecting the whole area, but the rocket attacks showed there was a breach somewhere, so we took the initiative to help with security," said Ahmad, who gave only one name citing security concerns. "Now, anyone we don't know, or think is suspicious, we stop and search them, and then hand [them] over to Hezbollah who will conduct investigations."

Clan security 

The Bekaa - known as the "tank of the resistance" because of the large number of fighters it has provided Hezbollah over the years - is also home to several of Lebanon's tribal clans, whose origins trace back to Arab tribes from centuries ago.

Clans are increasingly playing a security role in the area with numbers in the tens of thousands.

"We have a presence on the border because we are part of the defence system in the area," said Suleiman Chammas from the Chammas clan.

Already armed and using the training gained while serving in the Lebanese military, the clans are working in close coordination with Hezbollah, according to Chammas.

"We all have arms but the big operations are left to [Hezbollah] because they have the heavy weaponry," he said. "We just defend our towns and villages."

Originating in Syria, the Chammas clan has an estimated 45,000 members throughout Lebanon and also in parts of Syria. It is one of two original clans in the country, the other being the Hamadeh. Others include Nasreddine, Allaw, Dandash, Ala'eddine, which are offshoots from the two.

The clans typically mete out their own forms of justice, resolving issues through rulings by elders, rather than the local authorities. They have a reputation for being outlaws, and are said to be heavily involved in Lebanon's drug and smuggling trades.

Joining forces

Hashem Osman, a former mayor of Baalbek, sits in his home perched on a hill overlooking the sprawling town.

"Back in the day there used to be problems and scuffles between the clans and Hezbollah," Osman told Al Jazeera. "Today they are on the same path… A large majority of people from the clans are now part of Hezbollah, and have sacrificed their blood for the [Syrian] resistance."

According to Chammas, whose clan lost several members in the battle for Qusayr, the clans were neutral at the start of the Syrian conflict. But following a series of threats and cross-border kidnappings in the Bekaa by members of the Syrian opposition, the clans felt obliged to get involved.

"By attacking us in Lebanon [the Syrian rebels] are poking a hornets nest. What are they trying to achieve?" Chammas asked.

Osman echoed the sentiment, urging Syrian opposition fighters to think twice before launching any further attacks.

"Offending Baalbek is expensive and there is a high price to pay," he warned. "We ask them to keep their battle in Syria, or it will backfire heavily on them."

Hezbollah claims to be defending Lebanese residents in Syrian border areas, as well as protecting Shia shrines in Damascus. But its role in the Syrian conflict has polarised the Lebanese population, causing many to hold the group responsible for dragging the war into Lebanon.

Stoking further tensions, several towns and villages located on the northern border have become key military supply routes into Syria, whether for the rebels or for the regime.

But according to Osman, the rocket attacks have so far failed to divide or instill fear amid Baalbek's population.

"Their whole aim was to get people to stop supporting Hezbollah," he said. "This hasn't worked. People from Baalbek have martyrs returning from Syria, and they are offering more."

The civil war in Syria is also driving up tensions within religious sects.  

Sami Ramadan is a Sunni high schoolteacher and resident of Iaat. The tiny village fell victim to the barrage of rockets last week, and Ramadan described how his brother's house was hit, wounding his 18-year-old niece.

"It's a miracle she survived. She bent down to pick something up from under the table, and the rocket hit. The table protected her," Ramadan said.

Such attacks show the "misguidance" of the Syrian rebels, he said. "I'm a Sunni and the house that was hit is a Sunni house… These attacks on us have a reaction from the Sunni street in the Bekaa, and it is against the Syrian armed opposition."

Ramadan said he feared a victory by the Syrian rebels. "I am an open-minded Sunni, and as far as the extremists fighting in Syria, I have 'strayed' so they'll come after me before they go after the Shias."

Divisions in Baalbek

Not everyone in Baalbek supports Hezbollah's role in Syria. Despite being an active member of the armed patrols and having lost family members fighting with Hezbollah in Syria, Ahmad made it clear he was not a supporter of the Shia militia's actions across the border.

"Hezbollah took a decision, acting on behalf of us all, to fight in Syria," he said. "Well, I wasn't asked, and I don't support that decision. They don't need to be in Syria, they can defend Lebanon from the Lebanese territories, and just stay on the borders."

On Sunday in the capital Beirut, meanwhile, a protest against Hezbollah's involvement in the Syrian civil war turned violent with one demonstrator shot dead outside the Iranian Embassy.

But in Bekaa, most villagers support Hezbollah's mobilisation in Syria. That said, people here are more cautious about spending time outside for fear of further attacks by the rebels.

"The atmosphere has changed," Ahmad said. "Yes, there were huge celebrations after the battle of Qusayr, but I think these celebrations are premature… It is very likely we'll see more attacks."

Ahmad said about 20 percent of Baalbekis were opposed to Hezbollah siding with the Syrian Army. He said if the attacks continue, he would eventually leave the area.

Chammas, however, said his clan was preparing for the long haul. "There will definitely be more confrontations, and in a military aspect we are ready," he said, adding a warning to the Syrian rebels and their Lebanese backers: "Don't play with fire." 

Follow Nour Samaha on Twitter: @Nour_Samaha

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Aljazeera

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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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