Army Says Won't Allow Lebanon to Be Turned into Open Ground for Regional Conflicts as Qahwaji Inspects Troops in Beirut
The Army Command stressed on Monday that Lebanon's security is a “red line” and it will take strict measures against all those who are targeting security, as Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji inspected the army units deployed in Beirut.
It said in a statement: “We will not allow Lebanon to once again be turned into an open ground for regional conflicts.”
It lamented the assassination of Internal Security Forces Intelligence Bureau chief Brigadier General Wissam al-Hasan, adding that it “will not allow his death to be turned into an attempt to assassinate the country.”
It revealed that it has conducted contacts with all concerned sides in order to tackle the security situation.
“The army is dealing with the situation wisely and not in a reconciliatory manner because it realizes the sensitivity of the situation and political tensions,” it explained.
Furthermore, it urged all political leaderships to measure their statements with caution “because the country is on edge and it leaves this matter in the hands of the political authority.”
It emphasized that it will uphold its role in combating all who want to target civil peace, calling on the citizens, regardless of their affiliations, to exercise “the highest levels of patriotism” and exercise restraint.
In another statement, the Army Command said General Qahwaji "inspected the security measures taken and gave instructions on the need to foil strife and be firm with any security violators, to whichever side they may belong."
Qahwaji "lauded the troops' intensive efforts to restore security and stability, calling on them to exert utmost efforts to preserve citizens' souls and properties and ensure their freedom of movement."
Clashes broke out in Beirut in light of Hasan's funeral on Sunday.
The security chief was killed in a massive car bomb in Beirut's Asharfiyeh neighborhood.
The army carried out raids in Beirut's Tariq al-Jadeedah neighborhood on Monday to restore order and detain gunmen on the streets while heavy gunfire was reported in the area.
The army is carrying out patrols and raids in various areas in Tariq al-Jadeedah and nearby areas, including Qasqas, Barbir, Corniche al-Mazraa and Cola.
Clashes also broke out in the northern city of Tripoli, leaving three dead and 26 wounded.
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