Lebanon army ready to use force to halt fighting

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

BEIRUT (AFP) — Lebanese troops were ready to use force on Tuesday to disarm gunmen and enforce law and order after six days of deadly sectarian gunbattles that have plunged the nation into fear and chaos.

US President George W. Bush, on the eve of a trip to the Middle East, warned Iran and Syria that the international community would not allow Lebanon to fall under foreign domination again and vowed to shore up the Lebanese army.

The fighting, which has left at least 61 people dead and scores more wounded, is the worst sectarian unrest since the 1975-1990 civil war and has stoked fears the country was headed for another all-out conflict.

The army said its troops were prepared to resort to force to bring an end to the violence which has pitted supporters of...