Arsal Residents Block Road to Protest Army Measures

Several residents from the northeastern border town of Arsal blocked on Wednesday the road after the army prevented the transfer of diesel and gasoline to the outskirts of the town.

According to the state-run National News Agency, the army prevented several men from moving the two substances to the outskirts of the village where gunmen are taking positions.

The army's endeavor angered them, prompting them to block the road near the town's clinic.

Arsal lies 12 kilometers from the border with Syria and has been used as a conduit for weapons and rebels to enter Syria, while also serving as a refuge for people fleeing the conflict in the neighboring country.

The region witnessed clashes in August between the army and Islamist militants from Syria prompted by the arrest of a member of the al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front.

There has been growing resentment in Lebanon against Syrian refugees after the militants abducted following the clashes a number of soldiers and policemen and the anger escalated after the jihadists beheaded two captive army troops.

At least 47,000 Syrian refugees have taken shelter in the Bekaa town, where many residents sympathize with the Syrian uprising against President Bashar Assad.

H.K.

M.T.