Cautious calm prevailed Sunday afternoon in the area of Khalde as the Lebanese Army deployed there following a bloody ambush by Ghoson Arab clan on a funeral procession of Hezbollah member Ali Shibli.
At least three Hezbollah supporters were martyred during Sunday ambush, in which assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades were used. Several others were injured.
The Lebanese Army announced in a statement that it beefed up its forces in the area warning that it will open fire on any gunman it sees, adding that a soldier was among the wounded.
President Michel Aoun voiced regret over the bloody attack, calling on the Lebanese Army command to take immediate measures to restore calm to the area.
In a statement released by the Presidency Press Office, President Aoun urged the Army to arrest shooters, withdraw gunmen, and ensure the safe movement of citizens on the international road.
He warned that the current circumstances in the country do not allow any security breach or practices that fuel the required sedition, calling on all parties to cooperate in order to achieve this goal.
Meanwhile, caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab and Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati followed up on the security situation in Khlade and warned against strife in the country.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
