BEIRUT: The Council of Maronite Bishops deplored the latest killing of Lebanese troops by jihadis in east Lebanon Wednesday, calling on rival political groups to rally around the Army and security forces who are fighting terrorism on behalf of the Lebanese people.

A statement issued at the end of the monthly meeting, chaired by Patriarch Beshara Rai, said, “We salute once again the Army and security forces for their sacrifices in confronting terrorism and call upon all political factions to extend them with political, moral and financial support.”