Higher Islamic Council Condemns Tripoli Clashes, Demands Stripping of Illegitimate Arms

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.”

“We reject attempts to usurp the decision-making power of Muslims, which are aimed at luring them into a confrontation with the army,” it stated.

It also highlighted the central role of the army in defending residences, markets, and civilians in Lebanon, slamming as “suspicious” incitement “aimed at persuading soldiers to defect from the army.”

“The law should be implemented throughout all Lebanese regions without exception,” it stated.

Moreover, the council noted that the clashes in Tripoli are a product of years of deprivation, demanding that the state implement development plans to revitalize the economy in the city and the North.

“We call on the concerned agencies to cater to the needs of the people and compensate those whose properties were damaged in the latest round of fighting,” it demanded.

Furthermore, the Higher Islamic Council demanded that the media remain objective in its reporting of the fighting in Tripoli and nearby areas.

Clashes erupted in the city between the army and militants on Friday, leaving scores of soldiers, civilians, and gunmen dead.

Soldiers on Monday entered Tripoli's Bab al-Tabbaneh neighborhood where thousands of civilians had fled the fighting over the weekend.