Muslim Scholars Declare 'No to Slaughtering Arsal' Day, Urge Probe into Army Raids
The Muslim Scholars Committee on Thursday called for a “transparent probe” into alleged abuse of Syrian refugees at encampments in the Bekaa border town of Arsal, saying Friday will be a “No to Slaughtering Arsal” day.
“We call for a transparent and impartial investigation into the abuse of innocents and torching of encampments in Arsal,” the MSC said in a statement issued after an “emergency meeting.”
“We urge the Army Command to put an end to violations and to address the situation with wisdom in order to thwart strife,” it added.
The Committee declared that activities will be organized Friday under the slogan "No to Slaughtering Arsal", in order to “foil strife which might spread to the entire country.”
The conferees also warned that they are considering to lodge complaints with the U.N. Human Rights Council and international humanitarian organizations.
They also cautioned that “some parties are seeking to stoke strife” and urged humanitarian groups to perform their “humanitarian duty towards our brothers the refugees.”
Earlier on Thursday, a suspect was killed and several others were injured when the army opened fire on them in Arsal for setting fire to tents in refugee encampments, according to an army statement.
The military also arrested scores of Syrians and Lebanese, including four gunmen belonging to al-Nusra Front, during the raids in Arsal, said the state-run National News Agency.
They are suspected of involvement in recent attacks on the army, it said.
The raids sparked a demonstration by Syrian refugees, who raised the Islamic State group flag near the Arsal municipal building.
Arsal has been the battlefront of the Lebanese army in its fight with jihadists since they crossed the border from Syria and overran the town in early August. The militants from al-Nusra Front and the IS kidnapped troops during their withdrawal.
Several soldiers and policemen remain in captivity while three have been executed.
Last Friday, attackers detonated a roadside bomb against a passing army truck in Arsal killing two soldiers and wounding three.
Also Thursday, the army carried out raids on the residences of Syrian refugees in Tripoli's Abi Samra district.
It said in a communique that it arrested 20 suspects and seized arms, ammunition and military gear from their possession.
Y.R.
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