The situation was tense in Khalde on the southern highway when an armed clash broke out this evening.
An argument began between persons belonging to the Arab clan of Khalde and other individuals, allegedly over religious banners being hung in the area, which led to an armed clash.
According to NNA, the two dead have been identified as H. M. Ghosn and M. Haddoum, of Syrian nationality. The three wounded include E. A. Ghosn, M. Ghosn, and J. Ghosn.
Due to the ongoing clash, drivers were forced to return to Beirut as the fight was taking place on the highway.
The Lebanese Army quickly intervened to restore calm but was also met with gunfire.
It has since released a statement that the situation was under control and that patrols have been conducted in the Khalde area.
The army has arrested four people, including two Syrians, and is continuing to pursue the rest.
تطويق الاشكال وتسيير دوريات في منطقة خلدة وقد تمّ توقيف اربعة اشخاص بينهم اثنان من الجنسية السورية وتجري ملاحقة باقي المتورطين لتوقيفهم#الجيش_اللبناني #LebaneseArmy pic.twitter.com/mbf66wixWn
— الجيش اللبناني (@LebarmyOfficial) August 27, 2020
The army is also pushing reinforcements to the area to keep the situation under control and continues conducting patrols to pursue suspects involved in the clash.
In addition, a fire broke out at Rammal Supermarket after two RPG-7 shells were fired at it, according to MTV.
Clashes are ongoing, now allegedly between the army and the Arab clan. This can result in increased casualties.
