Unrest Prevails In Lebanon As Fierce Gunbattles Break Out On The Streets of Tripoli

Fighting broke out on the streets of Lebanon's second largest city on Sunday, as pro- and anti-government factions turned parts of Tripoli into a deadly battle ground. At least four people have been killed and 29 people wounded so far. While local leaders tried to contain the conflict by calling in the Lebanese Army to move in retake control, after sunset the sporatic fighting resumed. The cause of the conflict was not immediatley clear. The western backed coalition government and the Hizbullah led opposition reached a deal last month ending a year and a half long crisis. Since then, there have been frequent but minor security incidents between the supporters of the rival political factions. Delays in the formation of a national unity government have raised fears that the security situation could worsen further. 06/23/08