U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale commended on Monday the bravery of the personnel of the Lebanese Armed Forces, “who are working to keep the northern city of Tripoli and northern region Akkar safe for all residents” in light of the recent clashes.

He said after holding talks with Speaker Nabih Berri: “We condemn those who seek to sow chaos and discord in Lebanon and are confident the Lebanese people stand united in the face of this threat.”

The Higher Islamic Council condemned on Monday the latest clashes in the northern city of Tripoli, voicing its support to the army in its efforts to crackdown down on gunmen.

It said after a meeting at Dar al-Fatwa's headquarters in Beirut: “We demand that illegitimate weapons be stripped throughout Lebanon.”

Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea hoped on Monday that the latest battles between the army and extremists in the northern city of Tripoli were decisive.

Geagea's press office said that the LF chief telephoned Army commander Maj. Gen. Jean Qahwaji stressing his “support for the military institution against terrorism and extremism.”

Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblat voiced on Monday his complete support to the army in its role in “asserting the authority and legitimacy of the state” in the northern city of Tripoli, the North, and throughout Lebanon.

He said in his weekly editorial in the PSP-affiliated al-Anbaa website: “The army once against demonstrated that it is only biased towards protecting the Lebanese people.”

Prime Minister Tammam Salam said Monday that the Lebanese government is united in its support to the army and security forces in their battle with terrorists.

“The government is united behind the legitimate military and security forces in their battle with terrorists and (in their attempt) to restore security and safety to Tripoli and the North,” said Salam during a security-ministerial meeting at the Grand Serail.

The army deployed heavily in the Bab al-Tabbaneh neighborhood in the northern coastal city of Tripoli on Monday and detained a number of militants, who have engaged in deadly battles with the military since Friday.

The military said in a communique that troops found several arms depots and a factory for manufacturing bombs during raids in Bab al-Tabbaneh.

Speaker Nabih Berri expressed concern on Monday over the situation in the northern coastal city of Tripoli, stressing that “security can only be implemented by using force.”

“The developments in Tripoli didn't come as a surprise. They are the normal result of incitement speech and the proliferation of arms,” Berri's visitors quoted him as saying in comments published in al-Joumhouria newspaper.

The army continued its military operation on Sunday in the area of Bhannine- Minieh where violent clashes between it and gunmen took place.

The army was ambushed by a terrorist group in Dhour Muhammara which led to the death of four soldiers, including two officers.

The army forces spread in Tripoli continued on Sunday its military operations in the city, where the clashes were renewed with the armed groups that kidnapped on Sunday morning one of the soldiers from his house.

Meanwhile, the army confirmed to continue eliminating the terrorists.

The al-Qaida-affiliated al-Nusra Front fired on Sunday a rocket against the eastern Bekaa town of al-Labweh.

It announced via Twitter that the attack was in response to the ongoing unrest in the northern city of Tripoli.