BEIRUT — The Lebanese military moved forcefully Monday to quell simmering sectarian tensions around the country stoked by a Beirut bombing last week that assassinated a top security official, deploying troops in the areas worst affected and issuing a statement demanding that politicians work to calm their supporters.

‘‘Tension in some areas is increasing to unprecedented levels,’’ read part of a statement issued by Lebanon’s armed forces. ‘‘We are appealing to all leaders from all political factions to be aware about expressing their positions and trying to incite popular opinion.’’