TRIPOLI, Lebanon: Tripoli MPs and local officials called for an immediate ceasefire to the fighting in north Lebanon Sunday after more than 18 people died over three days of clashes in the worst clashes to hit the area in months.
“We call for an immediate ceasefire in order to allow the evacuation of the wounded and the entry of humanitarian aid,” MP Mohammad Kabbara said on behalf of the handful of political and religious figures who met at his residence in Tripoli Sunday to discuss the crisis.
“We assure that Tripoli has been and remains affiliated with the state’s institutions and against terrorism.”
The session was attended by Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi, a representative of former Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Muslim Scholars Committee representatives, as well as other local officials.
Kabbara said the officials had been in contact with Prime Minister Tammam Salam, former PMs Saad Hariri and Fouad Siniora, and Army chief Gen. Jean Kahwagi.
“They all confirmed the necessity to protect civilians,” Kabbara said.
Speaking out against the attacks on Army bases in north Lebanon, Kabbara said the meeting’s attendees “condemned terrorism, no matter who is behind it.”
“We support the implementation of the security plan, but in the peaceful manner in which it used to be applied,” Kabbara said, referring to the April offensive by police and the Army in Tripoli and the Bekaa Valley aimed at capturing jihadists.
Kabbara denounced the “excessive use of force” by the Army in the current offensive.
At least 18 people were killed in running battles between Lebanese troops and ISIS-inspired militants in Tripoli and the Minyeh areas of north Lebanon. The clashes started Friday night with an attack on a Lebanese Army unit, and escalated to a massive military campaign to rid the northern city of jihadists.
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