Soldiers in the Palestinian camp of Nahr el-Bared, North Lebanon, July 8, 2024. Photo obtained by our correspondent Michel Hallak.
Two suspects allegedly involved in a shootout with a Lebanese Army patrol in the Nahr al-Bared camp in northern Lebanon have been arrested, the army announced on Wednesday. The shootout erupted on Monday during military searches in the Palestinian refugee camp.
According to the army, the two men were already wanted for other offenses, including "inciting disputes" and shootings.
Our correspondent in the North, Michel Hallak, reports that the two men surrendered to army intelligence on Tuesday evening and have been handed over to the judiciary.
The suspects surrendered "in the presence of one of their representatives," according to a statement by Palestinian factions in the camp. This development occurred "after the mobilization" of the factions, who held "several meetings," including with the suspects' families. These factions emphasized that "nothing will disturb our relations" with the army.
On Monday, the Lebanese Army raided Nahr al-Bared to arrest wanted individuals. According to Palestinian factions, a shootout ensued with "gangs," causing tensions.
Nahr al-Bared camp was destroyed in 2007 during a month-long violent conflict between the Lebanese Army and the jihadist group Fateh el-Islam. The camp was partially rebuilt in 2018. Since 2007, unlike other Palestinian refugee camps in the country, the Lebanese authorities have exercised partial control over Nahr al-Bared, according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). The Lebanese army does not enter other camps, where security is managed by local factions.
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