Imam killed in Lebanon village gunfight

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

AKKAR, Lebanon (AFP) — An imam was killed and five people wounded in a gunbattle between rival communities in a village in northern Lebanon on Sunday, a security official said.

The shooting erupted between Sunni Muslims and Alawites in the village of Sheikhlar in the northern region of Akkar, he said, adding that rescue workers were unable to enter because of the intensity of the fighting.

The official identified the victim as Ezzedin Kassem, the imam of the mosque in a neighbouring village.

Five other people were hurt in the shootout, he said, adding that automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades were used in the fighting which was triggered by a "dispute between villagers."

The village lies about 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of the port...