Priest Assailed in Metn Province Village
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BEIRUT (AP) — Father Rabih, the parish priest of Saint Joseph Church, was assaulted in the village of Ras Roueissat in the Metn province of Lebanon on Friday afternoon.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:40 p.m. local time in the Zaaytriyeh district. Father Rabih was attacked while in the vicinity of the parish. The specific circumstances leading to the assault remain unclear, and authorities have not yet released a detailed account of the event.
Local residents and church officials confirmed the attack took place, though details regarding the identity of the assailant or the motive behind the violence have not been made public. The priest was reportedly injured during the altercation, though the extent of his injuries has not been disclosed by medical personnel or law enforcement.
The Metn province, located in northern Lebanon, has seen sporadic unrest in recent months, but this incident marks a direct attack on a religious figure in the area. Saint Joseph Parish serves a community in Ras Roueissat, a small village known for its mixed demographic.
Police in the region have launched an investigation into the assault. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to identify those responsible. No arrests have been announced as of Friday evening.
The Catholic Church in Lebanon has expressed concern over the incident. A statement from the local diocese condemned the violence against Father Rabih and called for calm and restraint. Religious leaders in the area have urged the community to avoid retaliation and to cooperate with investigators.
Father Rabih has been a fixture in the Ras Roueissat community for several years, leading daily services and organizing charitable activities. The attack has left the parish community shaken, with many residents gathering outside the church to offer support.
Questions remain about the motive for the assault. While some speculate the attack may be linked to broader tensions in the region, no evidence has been presented to support such claims. Authorities have not indicated whether the incident is isolated or part of a larger pattern of violence.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of religious leaders and maintaining stability in the Metn province. The situation is developing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.