BEIRUT (Sputnik) — According to the Al Arabya news outlet, the blast, which is suspected of having targeted a meeting of a religious society comprised of Syrian scholars, wounded at least 20 people. Sheikh Othman Mansour, who headed the society is confirmed to be among the dead, the news outlet said, citing security sources.
Last year, the Lebanese city Arsal was the scene of violent clashes between Lebanese forces and two militant groups, Islamic State and the Nusra Front. In that incident, the extremists stormed checkpoints and a police station, capturing some 30 Lebanese servicemen.
