You are here
Conflict Incident Report
ISIS blast targets rival extremists in Arsal, inflicts casualties
Daesh (ISIS) detonated a roadside bomb targeting a number of rival extremists in east Lebanon’s border town of Arsal, leaving an undetermined number of casualties, state media said.
The explosive device was planted in al-Malahi district of Arsal, the National News Agency said.
The blast was followed by a round of gunfire between rival extremist factions.
Heavy clashes erupted last month between the rival militant groups on Arsal’s outskirts, near Wadi Hmayed.
Militant groups in the area have clashed on numerous previous occasions over territory and control.
Militants belonging to Daesh and Jabhat Fatah al-Sham - previously known as the Nusra Front - briefly overran Arsal in August 2014, taking over 30 soldiers and police hostage.
Nine soldiers are still believed to be held captive by ISIS.
Hundreds of militants belonging to the two groups are holed up on Arsal’s outskirts. Lebanese troops frequently launch strikes against the militant groups to keep them at bay.