Gunmen Attack ISF as Destruction of Cannabis Fields Continues
Clashes erupted on Friday between Internal Security Forces and gunmen over the destruction of cannabis crops in the town of al-Yammouneh in the eastern Bekaa valley, the National News Agency reported.
The news agency reported that the gunmen are using machineguns, medium and light weapons and B-7 rockets.
A soldier, who was among troops backing the ISF in their mission, was slightly injured during the cannabis destruction operation.
However, Voice of Lebanon radio (93.3) reported that a police officer from al-Yammouneh police station and a soldier were injured.
The army issued later a communiqué saying that two soldiers were injured by gunmen in al-Yammouneh, prompting the army to shoot back at the source of fire.
“The army raided the residence of the gunmen and pursued them along the area’s outskirts,” the statement said.
A huge fire erupted in Dar al-Wasiaa field after a B-7 rocket was launched. While another rocket destroyed a bulldozer.
LBCI reported that firefighters came under fire while dousing the fire.
It also said that the cannabis farmers warned the ISF against continuing their tasks.
The army cordoned off several areas near al-Yammouneh town as troops and military vehicles deployed.
The army also carried out raids.
Meanwhile, unknown assailants opened fire at the Baalbek police station injuring two policemen.
The NNA reported that one of the policemen was transferred to Dar al-Amal hospital for treatment after sustaining an injury in the leg, while the other policeman suffered a minor injury in the neck.
The news agency said that the assailants were in a wine colored Jeep Cherokee vehicle and fled to an unknown whereabouts.
The Bekaa for long has been reputed as a fertile ground for drugs. During the civil war, the drug trade thrived into a multi-billion dollar business.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/48777 |