Report: Army Will Not Interfere in Hizbullah, Syrian Regime Battle for Qalamoun
The Lebanese army stressed that its role is limited to defending Lebanon's land and border, reported al-Mustaqbal daily on Friday.
A military source told the daily: “The army is not concerned with the battle for Syria's al-Qalamoun region.”
“The recent clashes that took place in the outskirts of the region were limited to skirmishes,” he explained.
The major military battle has not erupted yet, he said of the expected fighting to control the Syrian region that is close to Lebanon's eastern border.
The source also denied that any fighting had taken place in Lebanese territory.
Another military source reiterated the denials to al-Joumhouria newspaper, saying that no clashes took place between armed groups from Syria and the Lebanese army on the eastern mountain range.
“The army has been taking its precautions in the area for a long time,” it added, while revealing that none of the gunmen had entered the eastern Bekaa region.
He emphasized Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji's recent statements that the military is committed to the government's policy of disassociation.
On Thursday, Hizbullah backed by Syrian forces controlled strategic heights in al-Qalamoun that abuts Lebanon's eastern border.
The control of the area on the outskirts of Assal al-Wared came following heavy clashes with al-Qaida linked al-Nusra Front earlier this week.
M.T.
H.K.
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