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Lebanese army chief vows to eliminate terrorism

Xinhua, January 22, 2015 Adjust font size:

Lebanese Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji vowed on Wednesday to wipe out terrorism in the country, Lebanon's National News Agency reported.

"The military is determined to prevent the spread of terrorism in Lebanon no matter the cost or sacrifices," Qahwaji said while inspecting troops deployed in the Lebanese border town of Arsal.

"Our confrontation with terrorism is not over," he said.

He stressed that the army's ongoing efforts and sacrifices halted the "infiltration of terrorists," and protected Lebanon's unity against the threat of strife and chaos.

In August, the military forces battled extremist groups from al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State (IS) in and around the Bekaa border town of Arsal, and engaged in a five-day combat that resulted in the killing of 16 civilians and 20 soldiers.

Before the gunmen withdrew to Syria, they kidnapped at least 30 soldiers and police officers. Three soldiers were executed by al-Nusra and one beheaded by the IS. Endit