The clashes were sparked by a successful Internal Security Forces (ISF) cordon-and-search operation, during which explosives, assault rifles and rocket propelled grenades were found in houses located on the Tripoli area.

[3] On 29 October 2014, Lebanese army commander Jean Kahwaji rejected rumors of a secret truce between Islamists and the military.

Assault rifles, explosives, grenades and other weaponry were confiscated; the weapons belonged to Sheikh Bilal Diqmaq, head of the Iqraa Organization for Social Development.

[4][8] On 1 November 2014, an army patrol uncovered a large weapons depot, containing 25 assault rifles, grenades and other military equipment in the city of Tripoli.

[11] On 2 November 2014, two men were arrested in Bhannine for carrying out attacks on soldiers; a rocket propelled grenade and military gear were seized.

[13][14] Militants engaged in a firefight with Lebanese border guards in the Arsal region, after failing to enter into Lebanon.

Four men were detained in the town of Taanayel, Zahlé district, on charges of illegal weapons possession and conspiring to kidnap.