LEBANESE PLANS AIR STRIKES AGAINST SYRIAN GUNBOATS

Christian Army commander Gen. Michel Aoun is planning air strikes against Syrian gunboats blockading the coast of Lebanon's Christian enclave, aides said Monday. General Aoun decided on the bombing runs against United States' advice that he avoid escalating hostilities and undermining Arab League peacemaking efforts, they said.

Aoun has three old British-made Hawker Hunter jet fighters and eight French-made Gazelle helicopter gunships in operation.