A gunman shot at least 9 people in the town of Baakline in Lebanon.
According to the National News Agency, at least 5 of the victims are Syrians.
Sources told The Daily Star that the death toll could rise further as the shooter is still on the loose.
The victims’ bodies were found in different locations throughout the Chouf town, southeast of Beirut.
The identity of the shooter is still unknown and his motive unclear. He fled to the nearby fields and has yet to be caught, hours later.
According to the NNA, the killer gunman used a pump-action shotgun and a Kalashnikov assault rifle in the shootings.
Prime Minister Hassan Diab immediately condemned the crime and demanded that security and judicial authorities “expedite the investigation into the tragic incident to reveal the motive and apprehend the assailant.”
According to MTV, the husband and sons of one of the victims are missing. Her body was found decapitated.
Such mass shootings are very rare in Lebanon and this may potentially be the worst one in its history.
Army helicopters are flying over the Baakline forests to help in the search of the gunman.
Preliminary information suggesting it was a personal and family dispute that escalated into a massacre, according to MP Arslan.
A couple and their two children are among the victims.
Editor’s note: The961 has chosen not to share or include the visibly disturbing images or videos of the shooting.
Our team works tirelessly to ensure Lebanese people have a reliable alternative to the politically-backed media outlets with their heavily-funded and dangerous propaganda machines. We've been detained, faced nonstop cyber attacks, censorship, attempted kidnapping, physical intimidation, and frivolous lawsuits draining our resources. Financial support from our readers keeps us fighting on your behalf. If you are financially able, please consider supporting The961's work. Support The961. Make a contribution now.