Fighting Spreads in Lebanon

Jun 03, 09:04 PM

Current Headlines: At least five people were wounded Sunday when fighting broke out in a second Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon.

Al Jazeera reported the violence escalated when an army checkpoint near Ain alHilweh in southern Lebanon was attacked by rocket-propelled grenades, sparking clashes between soldiers and Jund al-Sham members. Three soldiers and two Palestinian civilians were wounded.

Government troops backed by rocket-firing helicopters and machinegun fire continued their assault against Fatah al-Islam fighters at Nahr al-Bared in the north.

The Arab television network also reported that Fatah al-Islam confirmed Abu Riyadh, one of its leaders, was killed by an army sniper Saturday. The group denied reports that other senior leaders died but said it had lost three fighters. Lebanon's official news agency said four fighters were killed in Nahr al-Bared Sunday, including the group's deputy leader, Abu Hureira, also known as Shehab al-Qaddour. Ya Libnan reported a top militant known as Abu Riad Ghali had been killed.

Security sources said two Lebanese army soldiers were killed overnight, bringing the total since Friday to eight, Al Jazeera reported. At least 16 people, including fighters and civilians, died in the camp through the weekend.