Two Killed in Western Bekaa After Pursuit of Seized Cement Shipment

Tension prevailed in the Qaderiya area in the town of Hosh al-Harimi in Western Bekaa following clashes between members of naturalized Arab tribes and the Lebanese Army, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to around twelve others, one of whom is in critical condition. According to reports, the tension followed an operation to seize a cement truck reportedly belonging to a southern trader, which the Army Intelligence attempted to recover by sending its personnel to the location of the seizure. However, upon their arrival, the troops were met by gatherings of several individuals, including women and youths, who tried to protect the person who had seized the shipment, identified as K. al-Aaskar, by throwing stones and glass bottles at the intelligence officers. This led to a request for backup from a military unit, which the Directorate of Guidance stated was met with gunfire initiated by the gathered individuals, forcing the troops to return fire. The Army's statement mentioned the arrest of ten individuals who participated in the confrontation with the military. In contrast, a statement from the Union of Arab Tribes in Western Bekaa rejected the characterization of the incident as an attack on the army or a violation of the law, considering that what occurred constitutes "a crime against our defenseless sons, resulting so far in the death of two and twelve injuries, some of which are critical." The statement called for the Army leadership to open a fair and transparent investigation to clarify the circumstances, affirming support for the Army leadership in pursuing and punishing the perpetrators to ensure that the blood of innocents does not go in vain.