The saga of border tensions continue as Syrian troops shot
at the Kamar Bridge in the region of Wadi Khaled Monday dawn, proceeding to
move inward into Lebanon. The gunshots damaged the customs building and a
number of cars according to reports.
In the details, Syrian troops numbering up to 20 headed by Lieutenant Colonel
Hussein stormed the crossing on board a military jeep equipped with a machine
gun firing in all directions.
The troops then arrested a customs employee and two members of the General
Security. It was reported that the Syrian troops physically attacked the
detainees prior to taking them into Syria only to release them after an hour
and confiscating the weapons of one member.
Later throughout the day, the General Directorate of the General Security
announced via an official statement that its center in the region of Bkayaa was
shot at by a unit from the Syrian army whilst chasing gunmen who had earlier
launched a rocket at the Syrian Immigration and Passport Department from
Lebanon, injuring two workers.
The Directorate continued, that the Syrian troops arrived in the Bkayaa center,
and "escorted the two workers to Syria, releasing them an
hour later. The Directorate added that necessary investigations are underway,
and word has reached the head of the General Security and the Interior
Minister.
Commenting on the incident, MP Mouin Merhebi told LBCI that what happened in
Wadi Khaled is “shameful”, adding that the President, the Prime Minister and
the LAF Commander must be "ashamed".
Citizens of Bekayaa told LBCI that
one of the security personnel taken into Syria has sustained severe
injuries.
Subsequently the LAF intensified its patrols throughout the town.