The Lebanese army has completed its deployment to the region separating the northeastern town of Ersal from its outskirts on the Syrian border, with units now positioned at the Qala'at al-Husn castle (not to be confused with the castle in Syria which shares the same name). But it is impossible to completely shut down all the paths linking the town to its outskirts due to the region’s vast and rugged terrain.
The closure will restrict the movement of the extremists who kidnapped the Lebanese soldiers and police last month, as they will no longer have the freedom to travel in and out of Ersal which they depend on for armament, food and medical care.
The deployment of military forces in the region will also prevent any infiltration attempts by the extremists and allow soldiers to respond to any future attacks.
The army move was approved by Prime Minister Tammam Salam’s government last Thursday after it was endorsed by the Lebanese army command before the cabinet met. The army argued that it was necessary in order to prevent the militants from gaining access to the town and assaulting its citizens.