Saniora: Assault against Jabal Mohsen Residents Attempt to Create Strife in Lebanon

Head of the Mustaqbal bloc MP Fouad Saniora condemned on Friday the attack on Thursday against a number of residents from the Jabal Mohsen neighborhood in the northern city of Tripoli, describing it as a “cowardly and criminal act.”

He noted that the assault was an attempt to create strife throughout Lebanon, demanding that an investigation be launched in the incident.

“The attack against people simply because they are residents of Jabal Mohsen is aimed at tarnishing the image of Tripoli and its residents, which is that of moderation,” he remarked.

Moreover, he rejected justifications that the attack may have been in retaliation to the August twin bombings in Tripoli, noting that it may have been an attempt to divert attention away from the blasts.

“Such assaults only serve the enemies of Tripoli who are working day and night to tarnish its image,” continued Saniora.

He therefore demanded that the security forces assume their responsibilities towards the incident “and cease their exaggerated hesitation” in tackling security developments in the city.

“We demand the firm implementation of the security plan that we have heard so much about,” he said.

Saniora declared his solidarity with the victims of the Jabal Mohsen assault, wishing them a speedy recovery.

The MP also contacted lawmakers from Tripoli to condemn the attack.

At least three Jabal Mohsen residents were injured in a shooting in Tripoli on Thursday, stoking sectarian divisions in the city.

The state-run National News Agency said assailants shot the three men in their feet in the area of al-Zahriyeh.

On August 23, 45 people were killed and over 800 wounded in a twin explosions in Tripoli.

The blasts targeted the Taqwa and al-Salam mosques as worshipers were performing weekly prayers.