Lebanese Army in Tripoli to Put an End to Clashes

The Lebanese Army began deploying to end the thorny situation in the northern port city of Tripoli, following the escalating tension in the city.

Media reports have said that the army has entered Bab al-Tabbaneh as gunfire was being heard in Tripoli a day after it carried out raids in Jabal Mohsen neighborhood. The military entered buildings that were reported of housing snipers in the neighborhood.

The army chased a number of militants in Tripoli and confiscated large quantities of weapons, including mortars and medium machine guns and about 200 shells, grenades and ammunition, according to Al-Manar correspondent.

In a statement issued by the Guidance Directorate, the army said: “in light of the escalating tension in Tripoli and taking into consideration the number of casualties and injuries reported, the army saw it better to address the issue wisely with patience and precision.”

It also denounced a “campaign of unjust accusations” fired against the army, saying “some politicians launched a campaign of defamation against the military and fired unfair accusations without any right.”

The military also called on citizens to cooperate with the army units which started to deploy in the city.

Tripoli clashes erupted in May between Bab al-Tabbaneh neighborhood which supports the Syrian armed opposition, and Jabal Mohsen, which supports the Syrian government, and the clashes left 29 dead.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati promised on Thursday that the Lebanese army will not hesitate to open fire on gunmen involved in the fighting in Tripoli.

In remarks to pan-Arab daily al-Hayat, Mikati said: “The military will respond without hesitation to the sources of fire from any side they came because the city’s residents have the right to live in peace. ”There is no turning back,” he stressed.

He reiterated that the army command does not need any political cover for its actions. “The orders have been given to all its units deployed in Tripoli to preserve security fairly and in a balanced manner.”

In the same context, three people were charged Wednesday in connection with a recent attack on an Army checkpoint in the Bekaa Valley town of Arsal that killed three soldiers.

A judicial source said Military Prosecutor Saqr Saqr charged Syrian national Mashhour Wazir, who remains at large, along with others believed to be behind the May 28 attack, with premeditated murder.
Saqr also charged Ahmad Hussein Mohammad and Iman Shmaitiyeh, both Lebanese, for renting the Hummer car which was used in the attack, the source said.