Soldier, Fugitive Killed in Exchange of Fire in North

A soldier and a wanted individual were killed on Tuesday in an exchange of fire during a raid in the northern town of Bhannine, the Lebanese army said.

It said in a communique that wanted fugitive Abdul Rahman Ahmed Tamer died after he exchanged fire with a unit from the army.

The clash also resulted in the death of a soldier, it added.

The military identified the dead soldier as Mohammed Hussein Shabke.

The army said in its communique that Tamer belongs to the terrorist group of Khaled Hoblos which ambushed a military patrol in the area of Dhour al-Mhammara in al-Minieh on October 26.

Four soldiers, including an officer, were killed in the attack, it said.

In October, the army engaged in heavy clashes with Islamist gunmen, including Hoblos supporters, in the northern city of Tripoli, Bhannine and other surrounding areas.

It rounded out scores of militants but many remain at large.

The state-run National News Agency said Tuesday that the army carried out patrols on the main road of Bhannine after the exchange of fire.

Troops also erected checkpoints to inspect cars, it added.

G.K.

H.K.