Lebanon: 11 soldiers and 30 militants killed in east Lebanon
At least 11 Lebanese Army soldiers were killed and 13 were taken hostage in Arsal, during clashes between the Army and Syrian armed groups that have so far killed 30 militants, according to security sources.
Army chief, Gen. Jean Kahwagi, confirmed in a press conference that 10 soldiers had died and 13 were missing, saying they were most likely kidnapped. Shortly after the army commander spoke a Lebanese sergeant, Yehia Dirani, died in clashes near Arsal’s technical institute, bringing the death toll to 11.
The 13 missing Army soldiers increase the toll of missing personal, with 16 members of the Internal Security Forces kidnapped earlier, reported to be “hosted” at Sheikh Mustafa Hujeiri’s house in Arsal, according the Sheikh’s own claims.
Security sources told The Daily Star that the Army is preparing to send reinforcements to gain the advantage in the clashes, while residents discuss possible methods to organize and aid the army.