Report: Army Controls Situation in Bekaa amid Fears of Vengeance Killings
Military sources stressed on Friday that the security situation in the eastern Bekaa Valley has been controlled and that the army has deployed its troops to counter any reactions following a spat of revenge killings in the area, al-Joumhouria daily reported on Friday.
“The security situation in Bekaa is under control. The army has carried out a wide deployment plan amid fears that responses could arise after Maarouf Hamieh killed Mohammed al-Hujeiri,” the source said on condition of anonymity.
“Hamieh has committed a crime and the army is till searching for him,” added the source.
On Tuesday, Maarouf Hamieh confessed to the murder of al-Hujeiri to avenge his son's death.
Mohammed Hamieh was among three servicemen who were executed by the al-Qaida-affiliated al-Nusra Front and Islamic State groups after they were kidnapped from the northeastern border town of Arsal in August 2014 in wake of clashes in the area.
Hujeiri is the nephew of Mustapha al-Hujeiri, also known as “Abou Taqiyeh”, who the Hamieh family accuses of having links to the al-Nusra Front and of being involved in the soldier's killing.
“The army intelligence obtained information stating that some people have intention to shake the security situation and the army is dealing with them seriously,” added the source.
On reports claiming that the Hujeiri family might also seek revenge by bombing a bus carrying people from the Hamieh family, the source said: “So far, investigations have not shown the validity of information about these intentions.”
Tuesday's murder sparked tensions in Arsal, amid heavy security measures taken by the army in the town to avert any retaliatory actions.
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Source: Naharnet
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