Beirut (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The Lebanese army has taken full control of the Palestinian refugee camp Nahr al-Bared where it had been locked in battle for over three months with the Islamic militants from Fatah al-Islam, a Sunni al-Qaeda inspired group. The army’s victory over the terrorists barricaded into the camp was greeted with great joy by the population: thousands poured onto the streets of Lebanon yesterday waving the national flag, singing patriotic songs and throwing rice. The troops involved in the siege shot in the air in a sign of their joy.
The army vanquished Nahr al-Bared yesterday. The desperate attempt by some militants to flee was useless: at least 37 were killed and over 12 arrested. Meanwhile DNA test results are eagerly awaited to confirm that the leader of Fatah al-Islam, Shaker al Absi was killed in the final phase of the fighting. His body was identified in a Tripoli hospital, not far from Nahr al-Bared. Since the beginning of clashes May 20th last, over 120 militants, 42 civilians and 157 soldiers were killed. Most of the 30 thousand inhabitants of the Palestinian camp fled. The premier Fouad Siniora made his congratulations yesterday for the victory and promised that the camp will be re-built to allow for the return of the refugees.
Over the three months diverse hypothesis have arisen around the power behind Fatah al-Islam. Many believe that the terrorists were linked to Syrian security forces, with an aim to destroy the fragile Lebanese democracy.
The end of the siege comes just three weeks before elections for the new Lebanese President. An election which sees deep divisions between the pro-western government and the opposition led by Hezbollah, with close ties to Iran and Syria. Some analysts forecast the army’s victory over Fatah al-Islam, will now open the road to a presidential candidacy for the head of the army, Gen Michel Suleiman, seen as the only guarantor for peace.
