LEBANON: Lebanese army clashes with Islamist gunmen in north Lebanon, 12 soldiers wounded

Record ID: 375274

  • Title: LEBANON: Lebanese army clashes with Islamist gunmen in north Lebanon, 12 soldiers wounded
  • Date: 23rd June 2007
  • Summary: VARIOUS OF SMOKE RISING AUDIO OF GUNFIRE
  • Embargoed: 8th July 2007 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Lebanon
  • Country: Lebanon
  • Reuters ID: LVAD1U0LDG7QQTVEGB7DK2OO827S
  • Story Text: STORY : Lebanese troops clashed with suspected Islamist militants in the northern city of Tripoli late on Saturday after soldiers came under fire during searches for militant hideouts, security sources said.
    They said soldiers were storming an apartment used by suspected militants shortly before midnight when they came under fire. An exchange of fire ensued, involving assault rifles and grenades.
    Hospital sources said 12 soldiers from the force that stormed the flat were wounded, including at least one seriously.
    Lebanese army units blocked off roads leading to the area and brought in reinforcements, including armoured troop carriers. The shooting eased some 30 minutes later and the sources said the gunmen were holed up inside a building.
    A similar clash in Tripoli on May 20 sparked five weeks of fierce fighting at a nearby Palestinian refugee camp between the army and al Qaeda-inspired militants of Fatah al-Islam.
    At least 176 people have been killed in the battle for Nahr al-Bared refugee camp.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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