Injuries among LAF ranks while pursuing wanted person, Kahwaji reassures

Amid a pursuit of wanted citizen Antar Karaki, an army patrol clashed with a number of armed persons in the Ghbayreh area on Friday.              

Clashes led to injuries among some ranks in the LAF some of which are serious; two officers and several soldiers were reportedly injured. The pursued assailant, was also reportedly injured but managed to escape.         

Later on, the Army Command mentioned that while pursuing a wanted person in Ghbayreh, a patrol of the Intelligence Directorate was shot by armed members which led to injuries among LAF ranks including two officers.

The army command declared that more forces were sent to the region where a security cordon was imposed.

Forces began raids in the region and arrested a number of suspects stressing that forces will continue their security mission to arrest the wanted person and others involved in the incident.

In this regard, LAF Commander Jean Kahwaji briefed PM Najib Mikati on the raids conducted by the Lebanese army in Ghbayreh on Friday. During a phone call, Kahwaji reassured the Premiere on the health of the soldiers and officers wounded during the operation.     

Mikati stressed that the security forces are determined to maintain security using "an iron fist," adding that they will not overlook any attempt to breach security and undermine the state’s prestige.          

Earlier on Friday, Mikati had tackled the situation in Tripoli with the Mufti of Tripoli and the North Sheikh Malek al-Shaar.