Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) official Alain Aoun on Friday said that Hezbollah collaborated with the Lebanese army continuously on both technical and military levels.

Aoun’s comments come after gunmen brought down a military helicopter in southern Lebanon on Thursday, killing First Lieutenant Samer Hanna in the gunfire.

While Hezbollah has failed to confirm, many believe party supporters fired at the helicopter when it flew too close to their zone.

“This is not Hezbollah’s style,” Aoun told New TV. 

“No one is justifying the helicopter attack, and the true reason behind what happened must be discovered,” he added. Yet Aoun pointed out that, no matter “how important an accident is,” it could not obstruct “other projects in Lebanon.”

Aoun also said that FPM leader MP Michel Aoun was at an equal distance from all parties, and the FPM would support any choice that complied with the army’s interest.

“The president makes the final decision,” he said.

-NOW Staff