Mikati holds series of political and security meetings in Tripoli

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati headed Wednesday to the northern port city of Tripoli where he held a series of political and security meetings to follow up on the situation and to address the tension prevailing over the city.  

In this context, Mikati visited the Mufti of Tripoli and the North sheikh Malek Shaar at his residence and discussed the latest developments in the city.

Separately, Mikati received at his residence popular and municipal delegations from several northern towns, as well as representatives of civil society’s committees.

Cautious calm is prevailing in Tripoli after clashes had erupted on Monday overnight and continued on Tuesday with tension prevailing over various axes and shells landing in the city.

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.