Manhunt Continues for 50 Suspects in Hariri Rally Attacks
A massive army manhunt is underway for some 50 suspects in connection with attacks during the Feb. 14 rally to mark the fourth anniversary of ex-Premier Rafik Hariri”s assassination in which one man was killed and 30 other people were wounded.
The daily An Nahar on Monday said Lebanese troops were still looking for some 50 suspects after attackers, armed with sticks, knives and stones, killed Lutfi Zeineddine as he headed home from the rally by March 14 Forces. Seven suspects have so far been arrested.
Lutfi was a member of Walid Jumblat”s Progressive Socialist Party.
Thirty other rally participants were wounded.
Security and political sources told An Nahar that leaders from both March 8 and March 14 Forces have informed the Lebanese army command of lifting their political cover for troublemakers.
Meanwhile, senior military sources told the daily As Safir that the army has a list of suspects involved in Saturday”s violence and that troops are determined to catch them regardless of their political affiliations.
As Safir said Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri telephoned Jumblat overnight and offered him condolences for the rally victims.
Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Shawqi Masri also stepped in to try to keep the situation as calm as possible.
As Safir said Masri called Zeineddine”s family, stressing that security forces had arrested several suspects and were pursuing others.