Syria’s civil war stokes tensions in Tripoli, 6 dead
Lebanese soldiers take cover as they clash with gunmen in the streets of Tripoli on December 5, 2012, the day after snipers shot dead two men as sectarian clashes linked to the conflict in neighboring Syria broke out, a security official said.
Six people are dead and nearly 60 injured in Tripoli after two days of fighting fueled by Syria's civil war continued in neighboring Lebanon.
The Lebanese army vowed to respond to fighting from either side as it attempts to gain control, The Associated Press reported.
Soldiers have set up checkpoints and are roaming the streets in armored personnel carriers, according to AP.
Two neighborhoods where the fighting continues in Tripoli are divided along sectarian lines mirroring those in Syria.
Jabal Mohsen supports Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s ruling Alawites while Sunni Muslims in Bab al-Tabbaneh are sympathetic to rebels.
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Sniper fire closed schools and shuttered some businesses, The Daily Star in Tripoli reported.
After meeting with social and religious leaders, lawmaker Mohammad Kabbara said both sides agree fighting must stop.
“The attendees affirmed the need for halting all armed practices and emphasized the security agencies' role in doing whatever it takes for a return to normalcy,” said Kabbara, The Daily Star reported.
The fighting flared up Tuesday, but tensions were high late last week after 14 Lebanese and Palestinian fighters died in Syria.
Reuters reported the gunmen joined rebels opposing Assad.
Negotiations are ongoing between Syria and Lebanon to return the dead soldiers.
Lebanon’s army cut off roads leading into the embattled neighborhoods in an attempt to gain control.
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