4 Lebanese troops die near Syrian border

Violent clashes have erupted between Lebanese army forces and armed groups allegedly linked to the Free Syrian Army [FSA] in Ersal in northern Lebanon. International reports said that the four elements of the Lebanese army have been killed during the recent clashes, while five others were wounded. Four FSA elements also died in the attack, which injured another six fighters. Lebanese forces chased down Khaled el-Hamid, one gang member reportedly involved in the kidnapping of seven Estonians in 2011, arresting him amid violent clashes. Military forces returned to the area following reports that FSA elements had kidnapped Lebanese soldiers. Security sources claimed Ersal residents had not known Lebanese forces belonged to the country’s military. Red Cross units received the dead bodies and injured soldiers, distributing them across several nearby hospitals.