Duty in darkness on Falcon Peak; men and dogs on night patrol in the mountains of southern Lebanon.

• Author: Holtet, Einar Kr.

A tense and total stillness prevails. This is an area where armed elements of various categories frequently intrude. Falcon Peak, a good-sized hilltop not far from Norbatt-the Norwegian Battalion-headquarters in Ebel es Saqi, has been increasingly a focus for such. activity.

In the evening, before the squad left on patrol, the air was filled with the hacking of heavy machine guns and the rapid staccato sound from light machine guns. Flares

had been dropped from aircraft along the hillsides which had been lit up in search of intruders, "Something" was clearly in the offing in the area.

Watching the shadowy figure in front of me adds to my vigilance. To keep in touch, not to lose visible contact even for a minute-this is thestanding order. And every one of the four-man patrol is alertwith a sense of tense expectancy each time the signal is given by the patrol leader, raising his right arm while squatting. All four men instantly do the same. "Boss" and his handler both look for something up there. That's all we know We can do nothing but wait. Lie down and wait in the roadside ditch until the move signal is given again.

After a 45-minute walk the stop order was given and the patrol reassembled. In front of us, on the brink beyond a narrow plain there is a mountain slope covered with rugged stones, a very suitable position for a dog patrol ambush. The "ambush order" is given instantly.

The regrouping is on. Nothing is said if not needed, and in that case just in the form of careful whispering. Again...