Lebanese forces are searching for radical Salafist cleric Ahmad al-Assir, after clashes near Sidon with his supporters left 17 soldiers dead and more than 100 wounded, including 50 military personnel. The judiciary has issued arrest warrants for Assir and 123 of his followers; dozens of suspected Assir loyalists have been detained. Prime Minister Hariri warned against efforts to goad Sidon against the army, and said the army “is for all the Lebanese, Christians and Muslims.”
