U.S. 'Concerned' about Lebanon Security, Lauds Decision to Probe Shooting

The United States on Monday voiced concern about security in Lebanon, but said it welcomes a pledge by the Lebanese authorities to probe the shooting that killed Sheikh Ahmed Abdul Wahed and his companion, urging all sides to show restraint.

"We are concerned by the security situation in Lebanon following the shooting of Sheikh Ahmed Abdul Wahed and Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Merheb near a Lebanese Army checkpoint in the northern region of Akkar," U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement.

The incident took place following a week of intermittent clashes in the northern port city of Tripoli between opponents and supporters of the Syrian regime.

Meanwhile, street battles between partisans of the Mustaqbal Movement and the Arab Movement, a small pro-Syrian party, left two people dead and 18 injured on Monday in the Beirut neighborhood of Tariq al-Jedideh, sparking concerns the conflict in Syria is increasingly spilling over into Lebanon.

Toner said the "United States expresses its sincere condolences for the loss of life."

"We welcome the commitment of the Lebanese government and the Lebanese Armed Forces to conduct a swift and transparent investigation of the shooting incident," Toner said.

"And we call on all parties to exercise restraint and respect for Lebanon's security and stability," he added.