Lebanon tense after Hezbollah power grab

BEIRUT (AFP) — Lebanon was steeped in tension on Saturday after Hezbollah seized control of west Beirut in what the ruling Western-backed coalition branded an armed coup orchestrated with the help of Iran and Syria.

At least 18 people were killed in the fighting that pitted Sunni supporters of the ruling bloc against Shiite members of the opposition and brought the country dangerously close to a new civil war.

Washington blasted the power grab by Hezbollah and also pointed the finger at Iran and Syria for the unrest, saying they must be held to account.

"The United States is consulting with other governments in the region and with the UN Security Council about measures that must be taken to hold those responsible for the violence in Beirut accountable," the White House said.

A senior US official declined to list any specific steps, and emphasised that there would not be ...