Lebanese Forces suspect political motive in murder of Jbeil Coordinator Pascal Suleiman, Syriac Maronite Patriarch al-Rai calls for restraint

BEIRUT — Following the kidnapping and murder of Lebanese Forces Coordinator in Jbeil (Byblos) Pascal Suleiman, the Lebanese Army released a statement claiming he was killed by a gang attempting to steal his car. However, the Lebanese Forces party believe his killing as a political assassination, but urged its supporters to refrain from erecting road blockades.

In response to the escalating tensions, Syriac Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rai urged for calm, emphasizing the importance of judicial action against perpetrators.

Various political factions including the Maronite League, the Progressive Socialist Party, the Phalange Party, and the Free Patriotic Movement have condemned the murder of Suleiman, urging against succumbing to hearsay and emotional reactions.

Meanwhile, Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary-General of the Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, refuted any involvement of his party in the incident during a televised address.

Amidst these developments, the Central Internal Security Council is set to convene an emergency session to address the security situation following Suleiman’s death.