Security operation in Baalbeck: Army hunting fugitive, several injured

Law enforcement and a detachment of the Internal Security Forces' (ISF) traffic department conducted an operation Wednesday in the town of Baalbeck. Mobile checkpoints were set up, and traffic fines were issued to offending motorists, as well as illegal two-wheeler and "tuk-tuk" drivers, reported L'Orient Today's correspondent in the region.

As part of this operation, the Lebanese Army raided the Sharawneh neighborhood in an attempt to arrest Ahmed Jaafar, alias Ahmed Assia, wanted by the judiciary. The man fled but was located at a gas station owned by his father, where he was injured by gunfire. Nevertheless, he managed to escape again.

Three local sources told L'Orient Today's correspondent that injuries were reported among soldiers and station employees. The army was not available for comment.

The Baalbeck-Hermel region is regularly the site of security operations conducted by the army in search of fugitives or drug traffickers.