Lebanese Army soldier martyred, Arab Democratic Party official killed in Jabal Mohsen-Bab al-Tabbaneh clashes

The military official of the Arab Democratic Party, Ali Fares, was killed on Friday in a gunfight between gunmen positioned in the rival neighborhoods of Jabal Mohsen and Bab al-Tabbaneh in the northern city of Tripoli, security sources told Agence France Presse.

The gunfight broke out at Syria Street, which divides the two neighborhoods. Two members of the Lebanese army were injured in the gunfight, as well as five civilians, one critically, said a security source.

Press reports said that Lebanese army soldier Mahmoud Abdul Hamid was martyred in the clashes.

Tensions remained high in the area despite the army’s heavy deployment. Prime Minister Najib Miqati is expected to deliver a press conference later on, as celebrations that were set for Tripoli new ministers were said to be canceled.

MIQATI: CIVIL PEACE RED LINE
In a press conference he held from Tripoli, Prime Minister Najib Miqati said that the timing of what happened in Tripoli is suspicious, and stressed that civil peace is a “red line”.

“Those who think that they are above the law are mistaken and I have tasked investigation committees with probing today’s events,” Miqati emphasized, as he expressed belief that the situation will be contained. “The army has clear orders to put an end to this sedition,” he went on to say.

“Security forces will put an end to this issue, and regardless of where the message came from, Tripoli will not pay the price and stability in this country is our responsibility,” the premier said.