UN expresses support for Lebanese army to restore security in Sidon

A UN official condemned on Monday the recent clashes in Lebanon's southern city of Sidon, expressing full support for the Lebanese army. Derek Plumbly, UN's special coordinator for Lebanon, stressed in a statement the need for all concerned parties in Lebanon to ensure security and stability. "I would like to emphasize again the important role played by the Lebanese security and armed forces in sustaining Lebanon's national unity and sovereignty," said the official. Clashes erupted in Sidon on Sunday after supporters of radical Sunni cleric Sheikh Ahmad Al-Assir attacked an army checkpoint near the Abra roadblock, the stronghold of Al-Assir, following days of fighting in the city with supporters of Shiite Hezbollah. At least 12 Lebanese soldiers were killed and 50 others injured in the clashes, according to the Lebanese army, whereas other media said the death toll had reached 16.