Two Killed, 23 Injured As Lebanese Army Attacks Islamist Gunmen In Tripoli

Tripoli, Lebanon — Tables and chairs are overturned at a market after a gun battle in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli July 8, 2004. Reuters/Omar Ibrhaim

Government forces attacked Islamist gunmen who were hiding in the market of the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli Saturday, Agence France-Presse reported. One civilian and one gunman were killed, while 23 people were wounded during the clash.

This encounter marked the first time since the Syrian Civil War began in 2011 that violence spread to Tripoli’s market, which may be designated a world heritage site by Unesco. The wounded encompassed nine soldiers, eight civilians and six militants, AFP said.

The Lebanese military killed at least two militants in Tripoli Friday and three others in the northern town of Asoun Thursday, Reuters reported.

Islamist gunmen have accused the Lebanese military of supporting the Shiite militant group Hezbollah, which has sent fighters to Syria to support President Bashar Assad’s forces in the civil war there. The gunmen have since conducted several attacks against the Lebanese army.