Syria on Tuesday has reportedly expanded its troop buildup near Lebanon's northern border, deploying tanks on its frontier with the northern Bekaa Valley.

The pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat, citing high-ranking security sources, said Syria has also deployed tanks along the border facing the northern Bekaa town of al-Qaa.

Al Hayat quoted witnesses coming from northern Bekaa as saying Syria deployed vanguards along the border at noon Monday.

They said the deployment coincided with the digging of trenches and setting up tents for its soldiers.

The witnesses said they saw Syrian forces setting up checkpoints along the area of deployment. They quoted people crossing on foot from Syrian territory into northern Bekaa as saying that the entire crossings that link Homs with the Bekaa Valley had been placed under Syrian control.

They said Syrian troops have put up earth mounds to prevent smuggling and to counter terrorism.

The security sources, however, confirmed no Syrian military penetration into Lebanese territory has taken place since the first troop buildup along Lebanon's northern border was reported Sept. 21.