Weapons and ammunition seized by the Lebanese army after searches in Haour Taala in the Bekaa. (Courtesy of the Lebanese Army)
The Lebanese Army reported on Friday that 10 Lebanese and two Syrian suspects were arrested in Haour Taala, in the Bekaa Valley of eastern Lebanon, after a violent clash that killed three soldiers and three suspects on Thursday
Weapons, ammunition, drugs and stolen cars were seized in the raid, according to the army.
"An army unit, accompanied by agents from the intelligence directorate, arrested 10 [Lebanese] citizens and two Syrian [suspects] and seized a number of narcotics and stolen cars," the army announced in a statement.
"RPG rockets, hand grenades as well as weapons and ammunition of war, military equipment, stolen license plates and electronic devices were also seized. The seized material has been handed over to the judiciary and the investigation has started with the arrested suspects. Work is continuing to arrest other members of the gang," the statement continued.
The army said Thursday's raid degenerated into armed clashes, resulting in the death of soldiers Hassan Sherif, 33; Paul Jaradi, 23; and Georges Abou Shaaya, 21. Three suspects were also killed. Funerals for Sherif and Jaradi were held in their respective localities, Laboue and Zahleh.
On Friday, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati chaired a Central Security Council meeting, after which caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said security incidents "are in the interest of no one."
Lebanon's internal security situation has deteriorated significantly since 2019 following the outbreak of the worst socioeconomic and financial crisis in the country's history.
The Bekaa Valley, where weapons circulate in large quantities, is often the scene of bloody clashes between the military and heavily-armed groups, as the state struggles to impose its authority.
Last August, a Lebanese soldier was killed in clashes with traffickers along the border with Syria.