Iran urges unity among all Lebanese factions

An Iranian deputy foreign minister has condemned the killing of 16 Lebanese soldiers by supporters of Takfiri Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir in southern city of Sidon, stressing the need for unity among all Lebanese factions and political parties.

“Given the ongoing regional developments, Lebanon is in urgent need of tranquility, security and unity,” Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Tuesday.

He also stressed that the Zionist regime (of Israel) is the enemy of the entire Muslim world.

The Lebanese Army has been carrying out mop-up operations against Assir’s followers in Sidon, located some 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Beirut.

Reports coming out of Lebanon suggest the Army is now in full control of Sidon.

Lebanon army has pledged to fight until it ‘finishes with’ the radical sheikh.

Assir was unknown just two years ago, but he gained prominence as the spillover into Lebanon from the conflict in neighboring Syria has escalated. The cleric is believed to have hundreds of armed supporters in Sidon involved in the fighting.