Armed Clash Near School Injures Six, Including Children

At around noon today, the town of Qab Elias – Wadi al-Delam witnessed a confrontation that escalated into gunfire and the use of weapons near the private school and close to the municipal building, resulting in several injuries.

According to circulating information, the incident began as a family dispute before escalating into gunfire and weapon use; one individual who was not involved in the conflict but was present at his workplace was also shot.

Information indicates six injured persons, including:

* Osama Ahmad Zaghabi, born 1976, injured in the lower abdomen.

* Ramah Badi Al-Zouein, severe injury to the heel of the back.

* Samer Awad Al-Zouein, born 2006, injured in the foot.

* Muhammad Qasim Al-Zouein, born 2002, injured in the foot.

* Hamid Khdour Al-Aqla, born 2008, hit by a vehicle.

* Saad Qasim Muhammad Al-Zouein, born 2007, injured in the heel of the back.

The mayor of Qab Elias – Wadi al-Delam and president of the Union of Central Bekaa Municipalities expressed rejection of the incident, emphasizing that such events do not reflect the ethics of the town’s residents or the nature of its social fabric.

He stressed that the state, law, and institutions are the sole reference points for protecting people and safeguarding their rights, calling for stricter security measures against what he described as the phenomenon of weapon proliferation among some youth.

The mayor urged the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Army Command, and the Ministry of Interior to enhance patrols, checkpoints, raids, and security support, noting that municipal police powers are limited and that the municipality requires greater backing from security forces.

He also announced plans to strengthen the role of municipal police and grant them a larger role in enforcing regulations and preventing violations, affirming that the municipality will not tolerate anyone carrying weapons, infringing on others’ rights, or threatening public safety.

He stated that uncontrolled weapons pose a danger to everyone, warning that personal disputes, regardless of cause, could turn into tragedies within minutes, affecting innocent bystanders—especially in areas with schools, roads, and public spaces.

He concluded by stressing that weapons must be exclusively in the hands of the Lebanese state, army, and legitimate security forces, wishing all the injured a swift recovery and underscoring the need to intensify measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the town.