Lebanese Army patrols in Tripoli, northern Lebanon overnight between 16 and 17 April 2026. (Courtesy of Michel Hallak/L'Orient Today)
BEIRUT — Armed clashes on Thursday night near Bab al-Tabbaneh–Zehrieh in Tripoli killed a Lebanese Army soldier and injured three people, L'Orient Today's correspondent in the North reported Friday.
A dispute between members of al-Mir family and members of al-Hindawi family on Wednesday escalated a day later into an exchange of gunfire.
The army mourned soldier Bilal Khaled, a 33-year-old father of one.
"The Lebanese Army later deployed to the area in an attempt to contain the situation and restore stability. However, army personnel came under fire, prompting troops to return fire to the sources of shooting," the Lebanese Army said in a statement Friday.
"The Lebanese Army subsequently carried out raids in the area overnight and into the morning to apprehend those involved in the clashes and the attack on its forces. Several arrests were made, while investigations remain ongoing," the army explained.
In September, former Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi had announced a "sustainable" security plan for North Lebanon, following several deadly shootings in Tripoli. However, security incidents continue to occur in the city.
Reporting contributed by Michel Hallak, L'Orient Today's correspondent in the North
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