President Michel Suleiman hit back on Monday at requests made by March 14 alliance officials to hold the army accountable over the clashes in the southern city of Sidon, saying such demands should not be turned into a political campaign that targets its patriotic role. In a statement released by Baabda palace, Suleiman lauded the military's patriotic role in preventing strife and confronting security tension to preserve civil peace and stability.

The president also praised the sacrifices made by the army, including the death of soldiers during armed confrontations with gunmen and suspects accused of committing “massacres.” [Link]