BEIRUT: Politicians from across the political spectrum Wednesday condemned a military ambush that killed six soldiers and wounded one in Ras Baalbek the day before, as the families of the deceased received their loved ones' remains.
A military ceremony was held at Dar al-Salam University Hospital in Baalbek for the martyred soldiers as their bodies were taken out of the hospital ahead of funeral services of three of them in their respective hometowns in east Lebanon.
“We offer our condolences to the Lebanese Army and its leadership, and we stress our rejection of any assault on the military institution and we confirm the need to protect Lebanon,” Justice Minster Ashraf Rifi said, while calling for international support to reinforce the Army’s ability to confront terrorism.
Defense Minister Samir Moqbel also mourned the loss of the six soldiers as well as a military expert, who was killed Wednesday while attempting to dismantle a bomb in the outskirts of Arsal.
According to Moqbel, the militants resorted to “this dishonorable and cowardly method after experiencing the strength, toughness and determination of the Army,” he said.
U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly joined in condemning the attack on the Lebanese Army in Ras Baalbek and expressed his condolences to the families.
According to a statement released by his press office, Plumbly paid tribute to the determination and dedication shown by the Lebanese Army in their efforts to maintain security and stability, and underlined the commitment of the U.N. and the international community to support the Army.
Former Prime Minister Saad Hariri also stood firm in his support for the Lebanese Army in its war against jihadi militants.
A statement from his office said Hariri “stressed his steadfast support for the Army and legitimate security forces in their missions to confront terrorism no matter the sacrifice.”
For his part, Sheikh Naim Hasan, spiritual leader of the Druze sect, said that “the blood of the martyrs that have fallen proved once again that the military institution has paid and continues to pay substantial sacrifices in protection of the country and its people.”
The Amal Movement’s political bureau also saluted the martyred “heroes” who fell in Tuesday’s attack.
The party called on the Lebanese government to speed up the process of securing the necessary military aid and called on Lebanese political forces to stand in sympathy with the Army.
Earlier Wednesday, a Lebanese soldier was killed and two others were wounded as they approached a bomb to dismantle it on the outskirts of the northeastern border town of Arsal, the military said in a statement.
According to an Army statement released after Tuesday's attack, a military unit was ambushed by a “terrorist group” around 5:10 p.m. during a routine patrol. The ensuing clashes between the Army and militants killed six soldiers and wounded one, the statement added. Militant casualties were not known.
No comments:
Post a Comment