The Lebanese government asserted that the withdrawal of the terrorists from Arsal is the only way to end the encounter in the bordering town, announcing the mobilization in face of the "flagrant aggression".

The Lebanese government asserted that the withdrawal of the terrorists from Arsal is the only way to end the encounter in the bordering town, announcing the mobilization in face of the "flagrant aggression".

Prime Minister, Tammam Salam, underlined that there is neither leniency nor truce or political solution with murderous terrorists and takfiris, saying that the only solution lies in the withdrawal of gunmen from Arsal and its neighborhood and the release of all Lebanese detained military men.

Premier Salam's fresh words on Monday came in the wake of the Cabinet's extraordinary session at the Serail to broach the current developments.

Salam said that Lebanon is subject to an explicit assault on its national sovereignty and security by murky terrorist groups tampering with the dignity of the army and security forces, in implementation of a suspicious programmed plan.

"Such a plan is designed to cripple the ability of the state and its apparatuses, in addition to spreading chaos in the town of Arsal and its surroundings, in the service of ends that contradict with the supreme Lebanese interests," said Salam.

The Prime Minister indicated that amidst such a dangerous development, the Cabinet decided to mobilize all the Lebanese state institutions and apparatuses in defense of the nation and countering all attempts to tamper with its security, thus preventing the transformation of Lebanon into a scene for importing external conflicts.

"Such a responsibility is primarily shouldered by the political authority in all its constitutional institutions, as well as the entire political spectrum in the country," Salam said.

The Premier said that the army, which gave a great number of martyrs in its glorious battle, enjoys full backing by the government in all its political constituencies, and stands united with it in its revered mission.

"The government will spare no effort to provide the army with everything it needs for the defense of Lebanon," Salam said.

The Premier urged all the Lebanese to rally around the legitimate armed forces at these difficult times, to uphold their constitutional institutions and to commit to dialogue as the sole means for communication. He also asked of the Lebanese to stay away from anything that might endanger Lebanon's internal stability and national unity.

Salam also saluted the international positions which deplored the attack on Lebanon and backed its institutions, army, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

The Premier concluded by stressing that the assault on the Lebanese national dignity will not pass without punishment.

14 soldiers have been killed and 86 others wounded since the eruption of the battle on Saturday while 22 troops have gone missing, according to an army statement. At least three civilians have also been killed by the gunmen.

Around 21 policemen were also taken hostage by the armed groups on Saturday.