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The Lebanese Army continued to repel attempts by Syria-based militants to infiltrate Lebanese territories in search for safe havens after the military succeeded last week in regaining two strategic hills in northeast Lebanon. The Army Sunday foiled an infiltration attempt by jihadi militants near the northeastern town of Arsal, a security source said, The Daily Star reported.

The security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said heavy clashes erupted around 9:30 a.m. Sunday in the Wadi Hmayyed area on the outskirts of Arsal, which resulted in the death of several militants.

Resident from the northern neighborhoods of Arsal told The Daily Star they heard the sounds of intense artillery fire by the Army for at least 30 minutes Sunday morning.

Another security source explained that the Army’s recent victory against militants in Ras Baalbek and its repositioning in the eastern town has forced the militants to find other safe havens.

An Army statement Sunday said troops raided stone quarries and carpentry shops on the outskirts of Arsal in Wadi al-Hosn, where militants had taken refuge, and destroyed their fortifications.

The military said Army soldiers found cannabis, syringes, military equipment and a sum of money inside the fortifications.