REPORT: Clashes continue in Sidon's Abra, casualties reported

Clashes erupted on Sunday between the Lebanese Armed Forces and supporters of the Imam of Bilal bin Rabah mosque Sheikh Ahmad al-Assir in Sidon.

The clashes left six LAF troops, including three officers, dead and others were injured.

In addition, one of Sheikh al-Assir's supporters was killed and others were wounded.

This as a military source told LBCI that the death toll of the LAF victims reached four.

Earlier, gunshots were heard in Sidon's Abra as the media office of Sheikh al-Assir said that clashes erupted after the LAF arrested Fadi Beyrouthi, one of the bodyguards of Sheikh al-Assir.

In this context, the LAF deployed in the city and cordoned in the vicinity of the Bilal bin Rabah mosque

Statement of the Army Command:

The Lebanese Armed Forces Command issued a statement in which it said that two officers and one soldiers were killed, while others were injured as an armed group supporting Sheikh Ahmad Al-Assir attacked a LAF checkpoint in Abra.

The statement urged Sidon leaderships to declare whether they are with the LAF or whether they stand with sectarian strife.

Positions:

For his part, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the attack on the LAF, urging Lebanese people to support the army to restore peace and stability in Sidon.

He also called on political leaders to ease down their provocative rhetoric to spare Lebanon further tensions.

Caretaker PM Mikati held contacts with president Michel Sleiman, caretaker Minister of Interior Marwan Charbel and LAF Commander Jean Kahwagi to follow up on Sidon's incidents.

He also received phone calls from MP Fouad Siniora and several dignitaries in Sidon.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam called on the Lebanese people to support the LAF and the security apparatus to put an end to the clashes and arrest the perpetrators.

As well, Caretaker Minister of Interior Marwan Charbel told LBCI that the LAF is adamant on restoring peace and order in the city,  denying the will of raiding the mosque.

For his part, head of Sidon's municipality Abdel Rahman el-Bezri told LBCI that "the Lebanese state is responsible for the ongoing clashes in the city."

This as the head of Popular Nasserite Organization Osama Saad told LBCI that families are trapped in Abra, noting that he is following up the issues to put an end for the incidents.

He also called on Lebanese political forces to support the army in his efforts to restore peace and order in the city.

For his part, MP Sami Gemayel told LBCI that the polical leaders must give the army the green light to respond to the gunfire sources.

As for Change and Reform bloc MP Ibrahim Kanaan, he told LBCI that Sidon's incidents "aim to foment strife in the country."