BEIRUT: Kataeb Party deputy leader Sejaan Azzi called Tuesday on the U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIS to protect Lebanon against terror threats from ISIS and Nusra Front deployed near the border with Lebanon.
“The [Lebanese] government should formally ask the international coalition to declare a position to protect Lebanon in the event of an attack from these terrorist organizations on Lebanon,” Azzi told local daily An-Nahar.
“This request is necessary so that Lebanon’s participation in this coalition pays off,” Azzi argued. He said some countries have criticized Lebanon for seeking the coalition’s help while shying away from joining the U.S.-led alliance.
Azzi’s remarks came in the wake of a deadly attack launched by Syria-based militants believed to be affiliated to ISIS on a Lebanese Army post in Tallet al-Hamra on the outskirts of Ras Baalbek Friday.
The attack prompted clashes that endured for over 16 hours. The militants briefly overran the post, but the Army was able to regain control after calling for reinforcements.
It posed a serious threat to the village of Ras Baalbek, which lies a mere five kilometers from the post. The fighting left eight Lebanese soldiers dead and at least 22 others wounded.
The bodies of more than 40 militants were discovered on the outskirts of Ras Baalbek, most of whom were killed by Lebanese Army airstrikes as more jihadis were sent in support of fellow militants fighting the military.
– See more at: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2015/Jan-27/285458-kataeb-urges-anti-isis-coalition-to-protect-lebanon.ashx#sthash.bRyNLcXD.dpuf
