Death toll from unrest in north Lebanon rises to nine

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

TRIPOLI, Lebanon (AFP) — The death toll from heavy clashes earlier this week between rival clans in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli has risen to nine, a security official told AFP on Wednesday.

He said the latest victim died late Tuesday of his wounds.

The clashes on Sunday and Monday had pitted Sunni supporters of the Western-backed majority in parliament against members of an Alawite sect loyal to the Hezbollah-led opposition, which is backed by Syria and Iran.

The violence threatened to derail an agreement reached in Doha last month between rival politicians to end an 18-month political crisis in Lebanon.

© 2008 AFP