Qahwaji Condemns Arsal Clash, Labeling it 'Premeditated' Crime
Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji condemned on Sunday the Arsal clashes, while saluting the two slain officers.
He said in a statement: “We reject any attempt to make light of the gravity of the premeditated crime committed against the army.”
“Those who believe that our combating of terrorism will halt for any local or regional power are mistaken,” he declared.
“We will not accept a political compromise at the expense of the blood of martyrs Pierre Bashaalani and Ibrahim Zahraman,” he added.
“No matter what the cost, the army will not waver in apprehending the criminals, regardless of their identities or affiliations,” Qahwaji stated.
He had earlier met with Prime Minister Najib Miqati and Defense Minister Fayez Ghosn at the Defense Ministry in order to address the Arsal incident.
The army commander later attended Bashaalani's funeral in the Bekaa town of Mrayjat.
Bashaalani and Zahraman were killed in clashes in the Bekaa town of Arsal on Friday as the army was seeking to apprehend a wanted suspect, who was also killed in the unrest.
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