The Higher Rescue Commission Secretary General, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Khair Monday described Syrian Refugee camps in Arsal, northeast of Lebanon, as "time bombs." In a press statement following his visit to Arsal while inspecting losses caused by clashes between the Lebanon army and militants, Khair called for checking carefully the identities of refugees not to repeat what happened in Arsal in any other area.
He pointed out that his visit to Arsal was to assess humanitarian needs and services of the town.
For his part, Bashir Khodr, the governor of Baalbek-Hermel, said in another statement that the state would take all necessary measures to ensure security and maintain stability in Arsal.
Meanwhile, after a ministerial meeting on problems of Syrian refugees, Lebanon Social Affairs Minister Rashid Derbas said in a press statement that all decisions were available to be considered to protect Lebanon, including borders.
Early this month, Arsal has been witnessing clashes between Lebanon army and extremist militants, killing at least 18 soldiers and kidnaping about 39 personnel from the army and security forces, in addition to the deaths of cores of the armed people.