Lebanese Officials Denounce al-Qaa Bombings

Following the successive suicide bombings early Monday that hit the town of al-Qaa near the volatile border war-ravaged Syria, several politicians denounced the attacks and described them as an act of terror.

Al-Mustaqbal Movement chief and ex-PM Saad Hariri said in a statement: “The terrorist operation that targeted the Bekaa town of al-Qaa is an episode in a series of hellish plans to spread the Syrian fire (war) to neighboring countries, and the dissemination of chaos and havoc on the rest of the communities.”

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said via Twitter that the suicide attackers were hiding in the northeastern border town awaiting to be transported to another Lebanese region to carry out their plan.

He said: “Al-Qaa was not the target plan. The suicide attackers were hiding in the town and waiting for a vehicle to transport them to another place.”

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat meanwhile warned that terrorist attacks might move from the border to the heart of the country, noting that "it is better to immunize the institutions through the election of a president."

Free Patriotic Movement chief and Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil for his part visited the border town and said that the attack “is targeted against entire Lebanon, not only against al-Qaa.”

“Terrorists belong to all nationalities and I cannot link terrorism to an entire people or identity, but we cannot remain silent over the refugee crisis, which is being used as a cover for terrorism,” he added, in response to a reporter's question.

“The same as Lebanon is Europe's first line of defense, al-Qaa is Lebanon's first line of defense,” Bassil went on to say, urging the government to “do a lot more” to fend off the terrorist threat.

FPM founder MP Michel Aoun for his part said that "the real condemnation is not for the brainwashed individuals who blew themselves up but rather for the nations that plotted, financed, displaced and pushed the region into the inferno."

In a statement issued after its weekly meeting, the political bureau of the Kataeb Party called for “enhancing the capabilities of the army and security forces,” noting that the attack is part of “the continued attempt to drag Lebanon into the region's blazes.”

“It also refutes Hizbullah's claim that it is protecting Lebanon and the Lebanese through its involvement in the ongoing conflict in Syria,” the politburo added.

Earlier in the day, Economy Minister Alain Hakim said via Twitter: “We will not let terrorism use al-Qaa as a mailbox to pass messages. The Christians will remain in their land until the end of time.”

Arab Tawhid Party leader Wiam Wahhab meanwhile said in a statement: “The attack is a cowardly act,” and called on “the military and security apparatuses to intensify efforts in order to thwart an opportunity for those who plan to target the country's security and stability.”

Minister of Displaced Alice Chabtini for her part urged each citizen to be vigilant for any suspicious acts, she said: “We are all responsible for the safety of the country and the citizens. Each one of us must be a watchman.”

Ghazi Zoaiter, Minister of Public Works and Transport, visited the scene of the explosion and said: “Lebanon is being targeted by the terrorists, but today al-Qaa has paid the price on behalf of all Lebanese. Strengthening the army's capabilities is necessary.”

“The terror operation in the town of al-Qaa should only make us more strong and convinced of the national unity which must be above all considerations,” said MP Talal Arslan in a tweet.

Monday's deadly attack struck al-Qaa, a predominantly Christian village nestled in a hilly border area that has been shaken by violence since Syria's conflict erupted in 2011.

At least four suicide blasts hit the village before dawn, media reports said.

Nine people were killed, including four suicide bombers, and 15 others were wounded.

A statement from army said at least four soldiers were wounded in the string of attacks, which the National News Agency reported took place at 10 minute intervals.