Rival Factions Clash In Lebanon; 1 Dead, 6 Injured

November 27, 2007 10:34 p.m. EST

Beirut, Lebanon (AHN) - At least one person died and six were injured after two rival factions clashed in the northern city of Tripoli in Lebanon on Tuesday. According to Lebanese officials, the Islamic Unification Movement (IUM) and the Tripoli Brigades in Shiraa Square of Abu Samra battled for about 30 minutes; the fighting ended when Lebanese Army troops arrived.

The IUM is a local Sunni group supporting the pro-Syrian opposition bloc of Lebanon. On the other hand, the Tripoli Brigades is a local group supporting the anti-Syrian March 14 political coalition.

Shiraa square has been cordoned off by the army units and police patrols awaiting for the surrender of the gunmen involved in the firefight, a police spokesman added.

Since former President Emile Lahoud ended his term in his office Friday midnight, maintaining law and order has been entrusted to the army. The former president ended his term after the parliament failed to elect a successor.