WASHINGTON: The United States Monday praised the courage of Lebanese soldiers caught in clashes with Islamist militants in the northern city of Tripoli, in which 11 troops were killed.
Washington joined with Lebanon "as it mourns the loss of the soldiers and officers who died defending Lebanon from terrorist groups," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
The U.S. also "commends the bravery of the personnel of the Lebanese armed forces who are working to keep Tripoli and Akkar safe for all residents."
The fighting was among the fiercest bouts of Syria-related violence in the northern port city since the 2011 outbreak of the neighboring war, and has also left eight civilians dead since Friday.
It was also the first to pit Islamists against the army in Tripoli.
Psaki said Washington stood by the country and its government, adding: "We condemn those who seek to sow chaos in Lebanon and are confident that the Lebanese people will persevere if they stand united in the face of this threat."
Psaki also praised Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam for his "strong stand," adding Washington was "very confident" in the army's ability to defend the country.
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