Sidon Ulemas Accuse Hizbullah of Taking Part in City's Clashes alongside Army
The Ulemas of Sidon accused on Wednesday Hizbullah fighters of taking part in the clashes that took place in the southern city on Sunday and Monday.
They questioned during a press conference “the role the fighters were playing alongside the army in the Abra clashes.”
They added: “The violation of the people's rights by Hizbullah undermines the authority of the army.”
They voiced their support for the army, while condemning any assault against it.
The Sidon clashes broke out when supporters of Salafist cleric Sheikh Ahmed al-Asir attacked the army.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Mufti of Sidon Sheikh Salim Sousan rejected on Wednesday the assault that target the army in the southern city, calling on the state to treat people equally.
“The army is the sole guarantee for the country's unity and stability,” Sousan, who read the statement, said.
The statement denounced the attack against the army, urging officials to impose the law on all citizens as the country is passing through a critical stage.
Sousan announced the formation of a committee tasked with following up the situation in the city.
“We will hold open-ended meetings,” Sousan added.
Eighteen soldiers were killed and 50 were wounded in the unrest.
More than 20 of al-Asir's supporters were killed, according to a security official.
Dozens of them were also arrested, but there was no sign of the cleric.
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