Lebanese army advances in battle against IS

Beirut, Aug 21 (IANS) The Lebanese Army's "Dawn of the Outskirts" offensive entered its second day on Sunday as it advanced on positions held by Islamic State (IS) terrorists in two towns.

According to military spokesman General Fadi Abou Eid, the army had seized an additional 30 square kilometres on the outskirts of the northeastern towns of Al-Qaa and Ras Baalbeck from IS on Sunday, putting the total amount of territory wrested from the group at 80 square kilometres, Xinhua news agency reported.

During the day's fighting, the army spokesperson also said that 15 terrorists were killed, including two who attempted to carry out suicide attacks against the soldiers.

Army Commander General Joseph Aoun inspected the military units deployed in Ras Baalbeck and toured positions the army has seized from IS, according to an army statement.

Army units continue to advance and now control a number of hilltops on the outskirts of Ras Baalbeck.

"(The army) has also destroyed fortifications used by the terrorist IS group," the statement added.

However, the Orientation Directorate of the Lebanese army said in a statement that "an army vehicle was subjected to a landmine explosion on the way to Njasa-Joroud-Arsal roundabout, resulting in the death of three soldiers and the critical injury of a fourth soldier who was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention."

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