(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — United States security officials and diplomats are monitoring the increased violence in Arsal, Lebanon this weekend, urging respect for Lebanon’s policy of dissociation from the crisis in Syria.
United States Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale met with Lebanese Army commander General Jean Kahwagi on Sunday, expressing support for the Lebanese military’s fight against terrorism.
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut issued a statement to the media expressing condolences for the death of the Lebanese soldiers in the clashes against gunmen in northeast Lebanon.
Hale went on to praise “the courage of all of Lebanon’s security services in their work to provide safety and stability throughout Lebanon and secure its borders.”
The U.S. state department also issued a statement prompting international concern over the escalating violence. Spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the United States “strongly condemns the attack.” She also said the U.S. is vowing “strong support” for Lebanon’s state institutions.
Tensions have risen dramatically in the Bekaa Valley after an Army arrest of a Syrian militant sparked a standoff Saturday afternoon in Arsal, with armed men laying siege to government facilities in the border town, demanding the release of the captive.
After several hours of intermittent gunfire and a tense standoff, militants stormed the police station in Arsal, taking control of the building and releasing several Syrian detainees held there.