At least five people, including three Hezbollah members, were killed in an ambush south of Beirut in Lebanon during the funeral of a member of the Shiite movement who died yesterday in an armed conflict in the region.
A security source said many people were injured. The deadly incident took place in the area of Halde. A fierce exchange of fire ensued between Hezbollah supporters and Sunni residents of the city.
The footage broadcast by Hezbollah’s Manar TV channel shows the fire against the convoy of mourners arriving at the house of the member of the movement, Ali Sibley, who was killed the previous day.
Lebanese politicians have expressed concern about the ongoing incident, fearing it could escalate and exacerbate Lebanon’s repeated crises amid a political vacuum.
Iran-backed Hezbollah has issued a statement urging authorities to punish the perpetrators, saying the incident reflects lawlessness and bigotry.
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Sunni Arab tribes living in the city said in a statement issued after the death of Ali Simbli on Saturday during a wedding that they had taken revenge for the death of a relative in previous sectarian clashes in the same area.
A group of Lebanese Sunni tribesmen in Lebanon also issued a statement after today’s ambush, saying it did not want to be involved in an armed conflict but blamed Hezbollah for the unrest and religious tensions.
Acting Prime Minister Najib Mekati has asked the army chief to step up security forces in the city, which is located on the coastal highway leading south. Local television channels broadcast footage showing armed youths roaming the area violently.
