Prisoner suspected of involvement in Bekaa vendetta escapes South Lebanon hospital

A wounded prisoner escaped from Sheikh Ragheb Harb Hospital in Nabatieh, South Lebanon, on Sunday, the state-run National News Agency reported. The man is suspected of involvement in clashes between rival families that occurred less than a month ago in Mashghara in West Bekaa.

The suspect was being treated for injuries sustained during the Mashghara incidents and had been detained by order of the military prosecution. He was under the surveillance of the Internal Security Forces inside the hospital, but managed to escape from his room. ISF patrols have been searching for him, but thus far without success.

On Oct. 11, clashes between the Charaf and Ammar families in the village of Mashghara in West Bekaa left one dead and five wounded.

In a Lebanon in the midst of an economic crisis, the security situation has deteriorated dramatically, and rival gangs rule in several parts of the country. The army is struggling to contain and prevent the settling of scores, especially in the Bekaa where heavily armed rival tribes and clans often hold sway. Prisoner escapes have also become more regular in recent months.