Mufti of the Republic Mohammad Rashid Qabbani condemned the attack against the army in the town of Arsal, considering that "any attack against the army undermines the security of the State and the Lebanese." He expressed his sorrow over yesterday's victims. In a statement released Saturday, Sheikh Qabbani noted that "open fire on the army is strictly prohibited under any circumstances," since the mission of the army is to protect citizens and maintain a certain level of stability in the country. In this context, he contacted Minister of Justice, Shakib Qortbaoui, and the commander of the army, General Jean Qahwaji, to offer them his deepest condolences.