REPORT: Clashes renew in Tripoli, LAF lieutenant injured

The state-run National News Agency reported on Thursday that a lieutenant in the Lebanese army was injured in the shooting taking place between the army and residents of Tripoli's Bab al-Tebanneh on the background of a standoff with Al-Jadded television crew.  

The lieutenant was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital to receive treatment.

On another note, 3 shells hit Tripoli's Syria street and gunshots were heard in the vicinity.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese Armed Forces Units are undertaking tight security measures in the northern city in a bid to restore calm.

"The army removed barricades set by gunmen in the vicinity of al-Ahram movie theater near Starco - Jabal Mohsen axis," the state-run National News Agency reported.          

The agency added that traffic returned to normal in the northern city.          

This as caretaker Minister of defense held a meeting with  the army Commander Major General Jean Kahwagi to discuss the measures undertaken by the lebanese army to restore peace and stability in the northern city of Tripoli.

On Wednesday, the Lebanese Army Command announced that it arrested 4 gunmen on charges of committing criminal acts and sniping on civilians and soldiers in Tripoli.                

The 4 men were identified as Ahmad Yehia Saoud, Jaafar Housein Tamer, Ahmad Mohammad Riad al-Hajj, and Salah Abdel Hamid Mohammad.                    

Earlier, calm prevailed in Tripoli after the 18th round of violence ended with 11 killed and 113 wounded including 13 LAF soldiers.    

The Lebanese Armed Forces soldiers deployed in various regions across the city, conducted patrols and installed checkpoints to check passengers' identity. They also raided neighborhoods in a bid to arrest fugitives.               

The port city of Tripoli has long been a stronghold of Sunni Islamists in northern Lebanon.  
                                                             
But the city has become increasingly volatile in recent months due to the civil war in neighboring Syria, where the Sunni majority is leading a revolt against President Bashar al-Assad.


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