Lebanese security forces will launch an operation against militants near informal refugee camps in the country's east after coming under attack there, Lebanon's prime minister said on Tuesday.
Saad Hariri's announcement came as the Lebanese president warned against rising anti-refugee rhetoric after government troops were attacked around Arsal.
"The Lebanese army will carry out a planned-out operation in Jurud Arsal and the government gives it freedom [to do so]," Mr Hariri said in comments quoted by the official National News Agency.
Jurud Arsal refers to the mountainous border region around the Lebanese town of Arsal, and is home to thousands of refugees from neighbouring Syria who live in informal camps there.
Read more: Lebanon bans all protests after calls for demonstrations by Syrian activists
Lebanese troops carrying out arrest raids in two of the camps late last month were met with a string of suicide attacks and grenades.
A girl was killed and seven soldiers wounded in the attacks, and the army subsequently arrested dozens of people.
Days later, the army said four of those detained had died of pre-existing medical conditions, but rights groups urged an independent investigation after allegations that the men had been tortured to death.
Lebanese security forces have come under attack in Arsal before. In 2014, extremists kidnapped 30 soldiers and policemen after clashes in the area.
Four of the hostages were killed and a fifth died of his wounds, while 16 were eventually released in December 2015.
Another nine hostages are still being held.
The latest incident in Arsal has created renewed tensions in a country of just four million people hosting more than one million Syrian refugees.
But Lebanese president Michel Aoun warned on Tuesday that anti-refugee rhetoric was dangerous for both sides.
"If we are working for the return of the refugees, it is because Lebanon is no longer able to carry the burden," Mr Aoun said at a meeting with local officials, and in a post on his official Twitter account.
"But the spread of hatred and incitement are rejected, and their consequences are severe for both peoples."
Lebanese leaders across the political spectrum have increased their calls for Syrian refugees to be repatriated, citing security concerns and unsustainable strains on local infrastructure.
But parties differ on how that should happen.
Hizbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, whose group is fighting alongside the Syrian government, has urged Lebanon to co-ordinate refugee returns with Damascus.
Others want to see the United Nations organise the process, although UN officials have said it is too soon to begin returning Syrians home.
More than 330,000 people have been killed in Syria since March 2011. Fighting continues in large parts of the country despite international peace talks and tentative ceasefire proposals.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
Brief scores:
Huesca 0
Real Madrid 1
Bale 8'
THE SPECS – Honda CR-V Touring AWD
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder
Power: 184hp at 6,400rpm
Torque: 244Nm at 3,900rpm
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
0-100kmh in 9.4 seconds
Top speed: 202kmh
Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100km
Price: From Dh122,900
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
A Bad Moms Christmas
Dir: John Lucas and Scott Moore
Starring: Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Bell, Susan Sarandon, Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines
Two stars
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
A Cat, A Man, and Two Women
Junichiro Tamizaki
Translated by Paul McCarthy
Daunt Books
