Libanon

[Schneemann]

Sunni cleric killed in north Lebanon clashes

A Sunni Muslim cleric has been shot dead in the Lebanese city of Tripoli as new clashes erupted between supporters and opponents of Syria's president. Sheikh Khaled al-Baradei was killed during fighting between residents of the Sunni district of Qobbeh and the Alawite district of Jabal Muhsin. His death brings to 13 the number of people killed in Tripoli since Monday. Prime Minister Najib Mikati has urged all sides to support efforts by the army to end the fighting.

"The army is carrying out its role with all devotion," he said, following a meeting with security chiefs and MPs at his residence in Beirut. On Wednesday, Mr Mikati, a Sunni from Tripoli, warned that there were "efforts to drag Lebanon more and more into the conflict in Syria, when what is required is for leaders to co-operate... to protect Lebanon". Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is an Alawite and members of the Shia sect hold key posts in the government and security forces.

Syria's majority Sunni community has meanwhile been at the forefront of the revolt against the state and has borne the brunt of the crackdown during the conflict, which the UN says has left more than 18,000 people dead. [...] The latest clashes in Tripoli began at dawn on Friday and saw Sunni and Alawite fighters firing small arms and rocket-propelled grenades between Qobbeh and Jabal Muhsin.

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Schneemann.