9 dead as Lebanese Army clashes with militants

Lebanese Army troops clashed with terrorists in the country’s northeast near the Syrian border Thursday, leaving one soldier and eight gunmen dead, a security official said.
Clashes broke out “between terrorists and the Lebanese army” at around 3 a.m. (0100 GMT) Thursday near the flash point town of Ras Baalbek, the official, who did not want to be named, told AFP.
It was unclear which group the terrorists were fighting for.
The area was now “calm” and eight wounded soldiers were receiving treatment in nearby hospitals, the official said.
The army has regularly fought extremists near Ras Baalbek. Last year, at least five troops were killed in clashes with gunmen there.
Lebanon has been the scene of frequent violence, including deadly bombings.

Source: Arab News