Kaag Meets Moqbel, Praises Army, Security Forces' Fight against Extremists

United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag held talks on Wednesday with Defense Minister Samir Moqbel on the security situation in Lebanon.

She praised the efforts of the army and security forces in their efforts “to safeguard Lebanon’s security and stability from the threat posed by extremist militants.”

She stressed that the international community “would continue to stand firmly behind the army and security forces.”

Moreover, the U.N. official expressed her appreciation for the countries which already provide support and encouraged further such assistance.

The army has engaged in recent months in sporadic clashes along the eastern border with Syria with extremist groups seeking to infiltrate Lebanon.

The Islamic State and al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front groups are entrenched on Lebanon's eastern border region.

In August, they overran the northeastern border town of Arsal where they engaged in battles with the army and security forces.

They kidnapped a number of soldiers and servicemen when the fighting ended.

Some were released, four were executed, while the rest remain held.

M.T.