"The battle is over. The Lebanese army has seized the last positions of Fatah al-Islam in the camp," a senior Military officer claimed, in reference to the Nahr al-Bared camp in north Lebanon. "Most of the terrorists were killed today the others have been captured. A few might have escaped but the army is hunting them down."Nahr al-Bared Battle Ended Sunday in a Lebanese victory after the army took full control of Fatah al-Islam's last hideouts in the besieged refugee camp, who have been at war with the Lebanese Army for the past three months. Troops around the camp fired celebratory shots at around 4:00 pm (1330 GMT) to signal their joy at the end of the deadly standoff that has pitted the army against terrorist Fatah al-Islam fighters. "The shots you are hearing are celebratory shots, the camp has fallen," the officer said.
Residents near the camp meanwhile waved Lebanese flags and chanted as convoys of cars honked their horns. Lebanese citizens fired their guns in jubilation, while others waved the Lebanese flags and chanted as convoys of cars honked their horns.In a statement, the army said that "the militants of Fatah al-Islam attacked army positions in a desperate attempt to flee Nahr al-Bared camp". The militants reportedly attacked at least two checkpoints outside the camp. It was not immediately known if any of the militants had managed to escape.
| The army has cordoned off the area and blocked the main road leading to Syria. Helicopters have been called in to search the area. |
Meanwhile, Lebanese troops were still clearing the camp of mines and explosives, but there were no more clashes with Fatah al-Islam, an army spokesman said.