Tension escalated on Monday morning in the Palestinian camp of Nahr al-Bared as the Lebanese Army and intelligence units conducted a raid to apprehend individuals wanted for drug trafficking.
According to reports, suspects opened fire, prompting a response from the Army. Entrances and exits to the camp were sealed off to prevent movement in and out.
An official from Fateh, the Palestinian movement led by Mahmoud Abbas, expressed support for the Lebanese Army’s actions, stating, “The Army is pursuing a group of drug traffickers who threaten the security of Nahr al-Bared camp, and we fully stand behind the Lebanese Army in their decisions.”
The incident sparked anger among camp residents, leading the Lebanese Army to deploy additional reinforcements in anticipation of further security challenges.
In a statement released later in the afternoon, the Army confirmed, “Following gunfire in Nahr al-Bared camp, our forces conducted searches and arrested the suspect (J.A.).” The statement noted that during the search, the Army encountered resistance, including stone-throwing and shots fired into the air.
“The suspects’ homes were searched as part of the arrest operation,” the statement continued, “and the investigation of the suspect is now underway under the supervision of the appropriate judicial authorities.”
