A Lebanese Army soldier and a civilian were killed this weekend in clashes between members of one family in the Baalbeck town of Sireen al-Fawqa, an Army statement said Sunday.
Army Sgt. Hussein Mafleh Shoman and Mona Abdullah Shoman were both killed in the conflict that broke out Saturday between members of the Shoman family. Five others were reportedly injured before the Army was able to intervene in the fighting to restore order.
It remains unclear whether Sgt. Shoman was involved in the fighting in his capacity as a soldier or as a family member.
The conflict – which reportedly took the form of a shootout – was sparked by “family reasons,” the statement said.
Four people suspected of taking part in the firefight were arrested in raids later Saturday, and work was underway to detain other persons involved, the Army said.
The Army also seized four hand grenades and some light ammunition and military equipment, in addition to a number of “communication devices.”