Suleiman Condemns Arsal Incident, Urges Armed Forces to Intensify Security Measures
President Michel Suleiman denounced on Friday the attack against security forces members in the border town of Arsal in eastern Lebanon, calling on armed forces to step up the security measures in the area.
“Whatever the reasons and the motives behind the incident... This act is never justified,” Suleiman said.
Twelve policemen were injured in the fighting that pitted Arsal residents against the security forces on Thursday over the transfer of an injured Syrian opposition fighter to Lebanon.
Suleiman demanded Internal Security Forces chief Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi to intensify investigations to pursue the suspects, fortify police checkpoints in the area in coordination with the army and to take all the necessary measures to prevent any recurrence.
Voice of Lebanon radio (93.3) reported earlier that Lebanese army units made a heavy deployment in towns east of Baalbek and set up checkpoints.
According to the radio station, the ISF filed a lawsuit against head of Arsal Municipality Ali al-Hujeiri and anyone proven to have taken part in the incident.
Arsal residents have been aiding Syrian refugees crossing into Lebanon and the town has become an escape route for families fleeing the fighting in their country.
Several people have been killed and injured in the town in the past months after infiltration by Syrian troops and clashes.
| Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://naharnet.com/stories/en/59198 |