Clashes broke out between the Lebanese Armed Forces and Islamic militants in Arsal, a Lebanese town in a mountainous area near the Syrian border. During an incursion into Lebanon, the fighters, who include militants from the Islamic State (also known as ISIS) which now reigns over swathes of Syria and Iraq, captured 19 soldiers and said they would let them go in exchange for the release of other Islamic militants held captive in Lebanese prisons, according to news reports.
Many residents fled the area since the fighting began on August 2, but others were caught in the violence over five days of fighting.
At least 17 soldiers, 50 militants and over 40 civilians were killed according to the Daily Star.
After the retreat of the militants and as the Lebanese Army entered the town on August 8, 2014, journalist Kareem Shaheen tweeted updates from the area, highlighting the plight of residents, including a large number of Syrian refugees.
Doctor inside Arsal told me his hospital treated 400 wounded civilians, large number of refugees.
— Kareem Shaheen (@kshaheen) August 8, 2014
Doctor says refugees fear reprisals and incitement in aftermath of Arsal events.
— Kareem Shaheen (@kshaheen) August 8, 2014
2,000 Syrian refugees stranded on Lebanon border because they think going to Assad better than staying in Arsal. Think about it for a moment
— Kareem Shaheen (@kshaheen) August 8, 2014
Dozens of families streaming back into Arsal right now. Security won't let journalists through though.
— Kareem Shaheen (@kshaheen) August 8, 2014
According to Shaheen, residents were not able to regain their homes due to security concerns
Lebanese Army is sending back families that tried to return to their homes in Arsal. Appears security not entirely under control.
— Kareem Shaheen (@kshaheen) August 8, 2014
Nadim Houry, Human Rights Watch deputy director for Middle East and North Africa, noted that civilian residents of the area have been largely ignored in discussions on ongoing incidents.
#Lebanon: In current pro-army environment, little discussion in media about impact on civilians of Arsal fighting last week.
— Nadim Houry (@nadimhoury) August 8, 2014
Indeed, the army was an important focus of online conversations as the Lebanese demonstrated their support for troops across social media platforms in a show of national unity and rejection of sectarian divides: An initiative to support the Army, for instance, invited people to donate goods or volunteer according to their skills. Photographs of soldiers who died during the clashes circulated online, like this post by a telecom company on Facebook. A local news anchor even wore military fatigue to present the TV news bulletin.
Sans commentaire #AlJadeed pic.twitter.com/bNZZO95k5U
— Albert Khair (@AlbertKhair) August 3, 2014
