BEIRUT, Lebanon - Syrian authorities recently handed over 1,300 suspected terrorists to Arab Gulf countries, Algeria and Tunisia, it was reported Sunday.

The London-based ash-Sharq al-Awsat, which prints copies in Beirut, quoted unidentified officials saying Syria has briefed Lebanon on recent raids in several parts of Syria that led to the arrest of 1,300 Arab terrorists, all of whom were handed over to their respective countries' authorities.

Most of those arrested had entered the country legally because Arabs did not require entry visas into Syria.

They also said security measures on the Syrian-Lebanese border were tightened after a truck from eastern Lebanon loaded with 200 kilograms of explosives was seized.

Another truck was loaded with weapons and ammunition hidden in cement bags.

Lebanese truck drivers carrying goods between the neighboring countries have complained of stringent security measures by the Syrian border authorities. (UPI)