The leader of the Lebanese Forces, Samir Geagea. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — The Lebanese Forces (LF) condemned a “provocation” by alleged Hezbollah members after shots were fired near an LF center in Zahle Wednesday night.
In a Thursday statement, the LF claimed that three armed young men drove through the Hosh al-Amara neighborhood in Zahle, Bekaa region, playing Hezbollah songs “that do not align with the community's values.”
“They intentionally passed in front of the Lebanese Forces center in an attempt to provoke the youth and residents of the area, who requested that the armed individuals lower the volume, especially since it was approaching midnight, to avoid any confrontation," the statement noted. "However, the response came in the form of gunfire at the center, which was struck by three bullets without causing harm to anyone.”
LF denounced this "deliberate attack," emphasizing their respect for "freedom of expression, which should not infringe upon the freedom of others." They stressed the "necessity of curbing the unruly militia weapons, which have become a real threat that could lead to undesirable consequences."
They concluded by commending the role of the security forces in pursuing the case and "tracking down the shooters who fled, calling for their arrest and referral to the appropriate judiciary to face the harshest penalties."
L'Orient Today reached out to Hezbollah but they were not immediately available for comment.