Lebanon: The Battle of Abra

We investigate an incident highlighting tensions in Lebanese politics, the role of Hezbollah and the sectarian divide.

Al Jazeera Arabic reporter Tamer Almisshal investigates a confrontation in 2013 that highlights the serious tensions in Lebanese politics, the rise and role of Hezbollah, the emergence of Salafi-inspired groups and the depth of the country's continuing sectarian divide. 

What became known as the Battle of Abra is supposed to have begun with the killing of three soldiers in an attack by armed supporters of the conservative Sunni cleric Ahmed al-Assir. They're alleged to have attacked an army checkpoint in Sidon's Abra neighbourhood on June 23, 2013. Two days of intense fighting followed, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 Lebanese soldiers, more than an estimated 30 of Al-Assir's supporters, two civilians and (according to some accounts) two men associated with Hezbollah.