The army on Monday stormed the security zone of Sheikh Ahmed al-Asir’s mosque in the Sidon suburb of Abra and arrested a number of gunmen as the Islamist cleric fled to an unknown destination, following clashes that left 16 troops martyred.
Several local TV networks aired live footage showing army troops advancing into Asir’s security zone and arresting a number of his gunmen.
Volleys of machinegun fire were being heard in Abra as the army scoured the security zone, while smoke could be seen billowing from some buildings in the area.
“The army has arrested gunmen of Arab nationalities in al-Asir’s security zone,” al-Manar television reported.