Lebanese army during arrest operation of eight people in Bebnine, Akkar. (Photo sent by our correspondent in the north Michel Hallak/L'Orient Today)
BEIRUT – Eight individuals suspected of involvement in the shooting during the funeral of Islamic Group leaders Musab and Bilal Khalaf were arrested during a series of raids conducted Tuesday evening and continued until Wednesday at dawn, L'Orient Today's correspondent in the north and the Lebanese army reported.
The Fajr Forces, the armed wing of Lebanon's Islamic Group, announced on Friday that two of its commanders were assassinated by the Israeli army.
A statement was issued by the mayors of the town of Bibnine thanking all the "political, party, security, judicial, tribal, and public delegations who came to offer condolences for the nation's martyrs, Musab and Bilal Khalaf."
The mayors emphasized "the noble message carried by the two martyrs" and called on the Lebanese army "to handle the issue of gunfire with the wisdom they are known for."
"It should not be forgotten that Bibnine is a reservoir for the Lebanese army and has always provided martyrs from the sons of the military institution and will continue to do so in defense of the nation," the statement concluded.
Since Oct. 8, Hezbollah and Israel have been involved in almost daily cross-border fire. Palestinian and Islamist factions are also involved in the retaliatory strikes against Israel.
Gun violence is a significant security issue in Lebanon, especially in its northern areas, where there is a wide proliferation of firearms. Easy access to firearms in times of tension and anger greatly increases the likelihood of confrontations becoming deadly.