Hizbullah, Mustaqbal Stress 'Firm Support for Army' in Anti-Terror Fight

Hizbullah and al-Mustaqbal movement on Monday stressed their “firm support” for the Lebanese army in its fight against terrorist groups, following deadly weekend clashes against jihadist militants in Ras Baalbek's outskirts.

“The conferees underlined their firm stance on supporting the army and security forces through all means in their efforts to confront terrorism and protect Lebanon,” said a statement issued by the two parties after their fourth dialogue session in Ain al-Tineh.

The army fought fierce battles against extremist militants on Syria's border on Friday and Saturday, in which nine soldiers were killed and more than 20 wounded.

Dozens of gunmen were also killed or wounded in the clashes that erupted in the outskirts of the Bekaa border region of Ras Baalbek.

Hizbullah has several military posts along the poorly demarcated Lebanese-Syrian border.

In their statement, the two parties also hailed “the dialogue's positive progress and the impact it has left on the public opinion.”

They also agreed to take “some practical steps that can boost the atmosphere of stability.”

Dialogue between the two rivals had kicked off on December 23, 2014.

Following the third session on January 16, the conferees declared that they had made “clear progress” that might lead to results that can help “consolidate national stability.”

Y.R.