Lebanon: Suicide attack on soldiers in Arsal June 30

Event

The Lebanese Army launched an anti-terrorist operation in the Al-Nour and Qariya refugee camps in Arsal (Beqaa Valley) on Friday, June 30, to arrest suspected terrorists. Militants in the camps threw grenades targeting the soldiers and five suicide bombers detonated their explosives, injuring a total of eight soldiers. According to a local source, many suspected terrorists were killed and arrested during the operation.

Context

Arsal is located near the Syrian border and is considered a hideout for terrorists and Islamic State militants. Many anti-terrorist operations are conducted in Arsal and terrorist attacks are also reported.

Lebanon's security context is closely tied to the situation in neighboring Syria, notably due to the involvement of the Lebanon-based Shi'a group Hezbollah in the civil war. Terrorist attacks have occurred periodically in Lebanon in recent months, usually targeting security forces or isolated villages in the Beqaa Valley, such as Arsal, Ras Baalbek, and Qaa.

Advice

Due to the threat of terrorism, some Western governments advise their nationals against travel to the city of Tripoli, as well as Beirut's southern districts, southern Lebanon, and the country's eastern regions (including Baalbek, Hermel, Majdel, and Rachaiya).