Mufti Sousan to LBCI: Israel is Sidon's sole enemy

Sidon's Mufti Salim Sousan asserted on Wednesday that Sidon "is a city of diversity and everyone is keen on preserving its security and stability."

Mufti Sousan's statements came during a phone call with LBCI Nharkom Said TV show, whereby he noted that he is exerting all possible efforts to avoid further bloodshed in the city.

He also highlighted that "Israel is the sole enemy of the city," urging the Lebanese state to restore law and order in Sidon.

Sheikh Sousan noted that he is holding contacts with Hezbollah to hinder sectarian strife in the city.

Heavy clashes erupted Tuesday [18 June] between unknown gunmen and followers of a radical Sunni cleric Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir in south Lebanon, security officials said, killing one person in the latest apparent outbreak of violence between Lebanese factions supporting opposing sides in the civil war in neighboring Syria.