Lebanese Army Stages Arrests after Burning of Syrian Refugee Camp

In a statement, the Lebanese Army said two Lebanese citizens and sic Syrian nationals were arrested in the town of Bhannine. “An Army Intelligence patrol in the town of Bhannine arrested two Lebanese citizens and six Syrians following an individual clash that took place yesterday evening,” the statement issued by Lebanese Army’s Orientation Directorate on Sunday read. Earlier on Saturday a clash took place between a group of Lebanese youths and a number of Syrian workers, which soon developed into shooting in the air by Lebanese young men who also deliberately set the displaced Syrians’ tents on fire. As a result, the refugee camp was burnt into the ground forcing more than 300 Syrian refugees to flee the camp. “Army units intervened and patrolled the area, carrying out raids in search of those involved in the shooting and burning of tents and those in possession of military weapons, ammunition, and military equipment found in their raided homes,” the statement added. “The detainees were handed over, along with their confiscated weapons, to the concerned authorities for interrogation while search operations continue to track down the rest of those involved in the incident,” the statement concluded. Syria condemned the incident, calling on Lebanese authorities to take those responsible for the fire accountable. Source: Al-Manar English Website and NNA