Lebanese Army: 54 Troops Injured in Tripoli’s Confrontations

The Lebanese Army issued a statement on Tuesday against the backdrop of Tripoli’s confrontations with protesters, saying 54 of its troops including 6 officers were injured in the night clashes.

“Army units arrested nine individuals for throwing firecrackers and stones at the residence of MP Faisal Karami and at soldiers deployed in the area, for triggering chaos and for torching three banks and their ATMs,” said the statement.

The army said it “seized cannabis, ammunition and tear gas bombs with one of the detainees.”

During the military’s attempt to reopen roads blocked in several Lebanese regions including Akkar, Al-Ain Town and Jdeita in Bekaa, and the coastal highway between Khaldeh and Sidon, soldiers and officers were injured after being hurled with stones and glass, said the Army.

“The Army leadership while reaffirming its respect for the right of citizens to express opinion, warns of some attempts to exploit the people’s demands with actions that affect security and stability,” said the statement.

The Army will not tolerate “violation of security,” the statement concluded.