Iranian Deputy FM Calls for Unity among Lebanese Groups

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian condemned the killing of 16 Lebanese soldiers by supporters of Takfiri cleric Sheikh Ahmed al-Assir in Southern city of Sidon, and asked for unity among different groups in Lebanon.
“Given the ongoing regional development, Lebanon is in urgent need of tranquility, security and unity,” Amir Abdollahian said.

The Iranian deputy foreign minister underlined the need for unity among all Lebanese political groups.

Earlier this week, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Abbas Araqchi voiced support for unity and solidarity among different Lebanese groups and streams, and said Lebanon is in need of security and tranquility more than ever.

“Given the conditions in the region, Lebanon needs tranquility, security and unity more than ever,” Araqchi said.

He underlined the necessity for strengthening unity among all Lebanese groups and parties, and said, “We shouldn’t forget that the Zionist regime is the enemy of the Muslim world.”

At least 15 Lebanese soldiers are now known to have died in clashes between government troops and followers of a Sunni sheikh.

The clashes which broke out on Sunday between the army and supporters of Ahmad al-Assir continued overnight in Sidon.

The fighting raged around Abra and the Ain el Helweh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon.

Members of the Jund al Sham and Fatah al Islam armed groups joined the battle.

On Sunday, Assir’s supporters had surrounded an army checkpoint in Abra, on the outskirts of Sidon, where a vehicle transporting other supporters of the Sunni cleric had been stopped, a security source said.

Last week, the Sunni sheikh called on supporters to fire on apartments in Abra that he claimed housed Hezbollah members.

Abra is home to a mosque where Assir leads main Friday prayers.