Lebanon: Outbreaks of unrest

Lebanese commandos seized Monday a complex controlled by gunmen loyal to Sheikh Ahmad Assir in the southern city of Sidon.

At least 17 soldiers and over 25 gunmen have been killed in the clashes between the military and Assir’s fighters since the deadly attack Sunday on an Army post near the Abra complex that houses the Bilal bin Rabah Mosque.

Fighting erupted Sunday after armed supporters of Assir attacked a military checkpoint near the Abra complex, killing three soldiers and wounding several others.

Pitched battles ensued as the Army, which vowed to respond with an iron fist to the “cold-blooded” attack, stormed Assir-held Abra.

At least 14 more soldiers were killed and more than 65 wounded. At least two civilians also died in the clashes, which brought Sidon to a standstill.

Hundreds of civilians were trapped in the two days of fighting with some making appeals on local television stations for the Army to secure a safe passage for them. Ambulances and civil defense units were also unable to gain access to the tiny neighborhood.

Report from Daily Star. Lebanon

Going before the Father

• Pray for a peaceful end to this surge of violence both in Sidon and Tripoli
• Pray for protection of civilians and others in the city
• Pray that this shaking would cause many people to respond to the good news of Jesus

Source: CryOut Newsletter