BEIRUT, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese army said Wednesday it killed three notorious drug traffickers during a pursuit in eastern Lebanon.
A military statement said that the army pursued a vehicle carrying the wanted individuals in the Al-Sharawneh area of Baalbek, eastern Lebanon, and a clash later occurred, leading to the deaths of the three.
"They were among the most prominent and dangerous drug traffickers. They were also wanted for killing soldiers, committing kidnappings, opening fire on army posts and patrols, theft, and armed robbery," the statement said.
The Lebanese army and security agencies are intensifying efforts to pursue drug producers and traffickers throughout Lebanon, particularly in the Baalbek and Hermel areas in eastern Lebanon and at land border crossings connecting Lebanon to Syria.
Lebanese security agencies had previously managed to arrest several drug-smuggling gangs composed of Syrians and Lebanese at illegal land crossings between the two countries. ■
