KUWAIT CITY, Oct. 26 (Xinhuanet) -- Syrian security forces have recently arrested several Kuwaitis who had attempted to enter Iraq to fight a holy war against US forces in Fallujah, the Arab Times reported Tuesday.

    A 23-year-old Kuwaiti man who had been arrested by the Syrian authorities was deported back to Kuwait three days ago after thorough investigations, said the daily, citing reliable sources.

    According to the sources, the man was arrested in June, two weeks after his arrival in Syria for trying to enter Iraq as a fighter.

    The Syrian authorities have made arrangements to deport another Kuwaiti citizen who was arrested a week ago near the Syrian-Iraqi border, said the daily, adding that a Kuwaiti army officer in the rank of the first lieutenant was also in custody.

    The officer, who was arrested last month upon his arrival in Syria via the United Arab Emirates, was believed to be one of key figures who helped send young Kuwaitis for Jihad (Holy War) in Iraq, added the daily.

    This summer, Kuwait smashed an alleged terrorist cell after three men who went to Iraq for Jihad were repatriated.

    Since then, dozens of Kuwaiti men have been detained and several others suspected of recruiting youths in Kuwait for the Iraqi conflict escaped from the country. Enditem