Lebanese Defence Minister: Clashes in Tripoli put Lebanon at stake

Lebanese Defence Minister, Fayez Ghosn, warned of the gravity of the ongoing loose security situation in northern Lebanon particularly in the city of Tripoli, saying this situation can put Lebanon at stake. “The chaos observed in the northern region over the past few days could put the fate of the entire country at stake," Ghosn warned in a statement on Tuesday. He condemned attacks on the Lebanese Army that left some soldiers killed and wounded, considering that the targeting of the Lebanese Army was prompted by the provocative speeches and campaigns aimed against the military institution. Ghosn warned against the attempts to "import" sedition, stressing that the “fire will reach everyone and will not exclude anyone." He pointed to the military’s "firm decision" in dealing with the Tripoli confrontations, affirming that "The Army will be on the lookout for anyone who attempts to drag Lebanon into discord." A Lebanese soldier was killed and four others were injured on Monday in shooting while the Army was deployed in Tripoli to halt the fierce clashes which erupted two days ago and have been going on between the Jabal Mohsen and Bab al-Tabbaneh neighborhoods.