2 Arrested over Bhannine Clashes, Another 2 over Ties to Extremist Groups

The Lebanese army said it arrested on Friday two people suspected of attacking the military during recent gunbattles in northern Lebanon.

An army communique said a military unit raided an area in the northern town of Bhannine and arrested Fawaz Ahmed al-Kheir and Musab Mohammed Ali Sharaf.

Dozens of people were killed and injured in October when militants engaged in clashes with the military in the northern city of Tripoli, Bhannine and surrounding areas.

The two suspects were referred to the competent authorities, the communique said.

Later on Friday, state-run National News Agency said State Security agents from the Qobayyat department arrested a Lebanese and a Syrian in the Akkar region.

The Lebanese Bilal H., who hails from Mashta Hammoud, was detained on suspicion of belonging to extremist groups, NNA said.

Syrian national Anas D. meanwhile was arrested for "belonging to and fighting alongside Jund al-Sham," the agency added.

Militants inspired by al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State group have killed and wounded several soldiers in a string of attacks in recent months.

The deadliest was in August, when jihadists from Syria briefly overran the border town of Arsal, capturing policemen and soldiers and killing several others.

The majority of the servicemen are still held hostage. Four have been executed.

G.K./Y.R.

M.T.