The attack on the Lebanese army and internal security forces earlier this week continued to overshadow the city of Tripoli, amid intensive patrols and tightened security measures.
An official source at the Saudi Foreign Ministry said that the Kingdom condemned the armed terrorist attack that took place in the Lebanese city of Tripoli against the army and internal security forces and offered condolences to the families of the victims and to the Lebanese government and people.
Following a meeting with the Mufti of Tripoli and the North, Malek Al-Shaar, Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun stressed that the army would remain fully prepared to face any threat to the security and peace of the country, “regardless of the extent of the sacrifices.”
An attack shook Tripoli late Monday, when a man identified as Abdul-Rahman Mabsout, riding a motorcycle, opened fire on police and army vehicles in the city, killing two police officers and two soldiers before breaking into a residential building and hiding there. He later blew himself up by detonating an explosive belt when confronted by troops.
Lebanese Interior Minister Raya Al-Hassan said Tuesday that the gunman was a former ISIS member and was working alone.
Security and military sources noted that the situation was under control, adding that they were closely monitoring and chasing down “lone wolves” like Mabsout.
Security sources told Asharq Al-Awsat: “The investigations are ongoing and there are no new data on the operation or the connection of the suspect with other groups.” They stressed however that security measures were recently reviewed in the northern capital and in different regions of Lebanon and that the situation was under control.
