BEIRUT
At least 17 people died during the clashes occurred between the Lebanese troops and supporters of Salafist leader Sheikh Ahmed Al Assir, known for his anti-Assad stance.
Sides started clashing late on Sunday night in city of Sidon, southern Lebanon.
Security sources told Anadolu Agency that 12 Lebanese troops lost their lives during Sunday's clashes while 4 Hezbollah militants and one Ahmed Al Assir supporter were killed. Furthermore, 35 Lebanese troops were wounded and in total 15 others were injured from both Hezbollah and Ahmed Al Assir's sides.
Clashes kicked off after a member of Salafist group, Assir Isam al-Arifi, was arrested by the army upon possession of unregistered firearm in Abra region of the Sidon city on Sunday.
Salafist leader Al Assir's efforts failed to secure his release. It fuelled a deadly attack by the supporters of Assir, who blame the Lebanese army for siding with Hezbolllah.
Witnesses stressed, a group of Hezbollah militia settled down onto hills where the clashes take place in Abra.
