Beirut, February 16, 2023 (Xinhua) Three Lebanese soldiers and three wanted men were killed today (Thursday) during clashes in raids on homes of wanted drug dealers in the town of Hortala, in the Bekaa region, east Lebanon.
The Lebanese Army Command stated in a statement that the army personnel came under fire during the raids and responded to the sources of fire, killing three wanted persons.
In a later statement, the Lebanese army confirmed via the social networking site (Twitter) the continuation of the raids, which are carried out by an army unit and a patrol from the Intelligence Directorate in the town of Hortala.
He added that the number of detainees has reached 9 people so far.
Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed, according to a statement issued by his office, his condolences to the leadership of the army, and said that the army’s destiny is to always be in the forefront in defending the country and its sovereignty and protecting its people, and to pay a heavy price with the lives of its soldiers.
It is noteworthy that the Lebanese army is pursuing drug traffickers as part of a plan to curb drug trafficking locally and smuggling abroad. /ts/