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Security Forces Launch Massive Manhunt for Kataeb Killers

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Written by News Editor

Monday, 21 April 2008

Security forces launched a massive manhunt for the killers of two Phalange party activists who were gunned down in east Lebanon's city of Zahle on Sunday. Schools, shops and other businesses closed in Zahle on Monday in mourning for the killed Phalangists. Immediately after the 4 pm shooting attack, security forces cordoned off the city with the army setting up checkpoints and conducting thorough checks of all vehicles. Two other Phalange party members were wounded in the shooting which occurred at the inauguration of a Kataeb party headquarters in Zahle. One passer-by identified as Roger Gharra also was injured in the incident. A Phalange spokesperson said gunmen in a speeding car opened fire on the Phalangists at a checkpoint on a road leading to the event in Hawsh al-Zaraaneh. Local media on Monday said security forces raided several houses overnight in search for two suspects believed involved in the shooting, Joseph Zouki, a supporter of Zahle opposition MP Elie Skaff, and his brother. Zouki was reportedly refused entry through the checkpoint and later returned and allegedly shot at the Phalange security point. Other reports said security forces have surrounded the area of Hammar in Zahle where Zouki is thought to be hiding. A statement by the Phalange party identified the dead as Nasri Marouni and Salim Assi. It identified the wounded as Assi's son, Rashid, and Elias Issa. It said the shooting took place shortly after Sami Gemayel, son of former President and Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel, left the opening of the Kataeb headquarters in Zahle. Amin Gemayel immediately summoned members of the Phalange party's politburo at his mansion in Bikfaya to discuss the shooting attack, according to the statement. It said Prime Minister Fouad Saniora as well as political and party leaders called up Gemayel to offer condolences. Gemayel called for calm, and urged the government as well as security authorities to bring the culprits to justice without delay. "The criminal is not (Fatah al-Islam leader) Shaker Abssi. He is known. We demand that the government and the security forces put their hands on the criminals as soon as possible," he added. Gemayel said he believed Zahle shooting was not a personal attack, but rather a plot aimed at sparking discord.

 

 

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