Sidon's Mufti Sousan denounces all attacks against LAF

      
Sidon's Mufti Salim Sousan voiced his support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, stating that any attack against the LAF is to be condemned since this institution “maintains Lebanon’s unity and protect its citizens”.          

Following his meeting with Prime Minister-Designate Tammam Salam Thursday, Mufti Sousan stressed that the city of Sidon has stood against sectarian strife and was always supportive of a “fair and strong Lebanese State”.           

Fighting in Sidon city began Sunday after troops arrested an al-Assir follower. The army says the cleric's supporters opened fire without provocation on an army checkpoint.            

Official reports said at least 17 soldiers were killed and 50 were wounded in the fighting while more than 20 of al-Assir's supporters died in the battle, according to a security official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to talk to reporters.