EU condemns assault on Lebanese army

The European Union (EU) Wednesday condemned the assault by violent extremist groups on Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in a border town near Syria.

"We fully support the LAF in defending their country and people, and welcome the determination of Lebanese political leaders to put an end to terrorism and violent extremism," Xinhua quoted an EU statement as saying.

The EU called on international community to support Lebanon's authorities and security services to preserve peace and stability in the country.

On Saturday, clashes erupted in Arsal between the Lebanese army and alleged Syrian gunmen who crossed into the border town following the arrest of a Syrian national, accused of being a top leader of Al Qaeda's Syrian branch al-Nusra Front.

After the arrest, Syrian gunmen surrounded the army posts in Arsal before opening fire at Lebanese soldiers.

As many as 14 soldiers and three civilians have been killed and 86 wounded since clashes erupted, while 22 troops have been reported missing, a Lebanese army communique said Monday.