Berri Hails Army’s Role, LA Confronts FSA in Arsal

Local Editor

Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri announced Monday his support to all the Lebanese Army's [LA] measures in spreading security.

On the measures in the Bekaa border town of Arsal, Berri urged all sides to keep the army perform its duties.
In an interview with "an-Nahar" Lebanese daily, the Speaker praised the army that is carrying out its responsibilities to the fullest."
He further described those who are opposing the LA's performance as "naughty voices seeking to disrupt the military institution's national role."
In parallel, Berri wondered if "after Arsal's incident, any of the politicians still denies the effect of the government's decision to disassociate itself from the Syrian crisis."
"Ask [National Struggle Front Head] MP Walid Jumblatt on this subject as we daily hear from him, his ministers, and MPs about the importance of such policy," he added.
This comes after LA Command unveiled Saturday that members of the so-called "Free Syrian Army" attacked an LA post Friday night near the borders with Syria.

In its statement, the LA clarified that "for the second time in a week, a unit from the "Free Syrian Army", consisting of a large number of gunmen, entered Lebanese territory overnight via the outskirts of Arsal, where it attacked one of the Lebanese Army posts."
Also, it assured that no causalities or injuries were among the post's members.
"The Lebanese military won't allow henceforth any territorial trespassing regardless of who violators happen to be," the LA vowed.

It further asserted that the LA confirms that " it will not allow any party to use Lebanese territory to implicate Lebanon in ongoing events in neighboring countries."

Earlier, al-Manar TV channel reported that "men from Arsal town encircled a force from the Lebanese Army after the latter managed to arrest elements of the "Free Syrian Army" as they infiltrated into Lebanon."
"The gunmen from Arsal attacked the LA's post," al-Manar mentioned, and stated that "the elements were able to free the military detainees."
It also revealed that "These military men kidnapped three elements of the Lebanese army."

Asked about the LA's raids to detain the kidnappers and bank robbers in Dahiya [Southern Suburbs of Beirut], the Speaker said that the "campaign is ongoing and the army will head to the Bekaa after that."
"The army will continue with its plan and no one will be able to stop it as it is unacceptable to permit the gangs to frighten citizens and cripple the economy," Berri added.

Source: al-Intiqad, Translated and Edited by moqawama.org