BEIRUT: Lebanese authorities denied Thursday reports that the Syrian Army had entered the Bekaa town of Anjar a day earlier.

Residents told The Daily Star earlier Thursday that a 15-strong Syrian infantry unit infiltrated at 5 p.m. Wednesday about 150 meters into Wadi Anjar.

The Syrian Army had taken up a position near an earth mound in the area that is considered a smuggling route, the residents said, adding that the unit then pulled back following contacts carried out by the Lebanese Army.

Security and Lebanese Army sources said they had no reports of an incursion, adding that the Syrian Army did not go beyond the Syria-Lebanon border.

Syrian troops have made several incursions into the Bekaa town of Arsal since the beginning of October.

A Syrian farmer was shot and killed last week by Syrian soldiers who had crossed into Arsal, drawing the indignation of villagers and Lebanese political groups alike.