Sniper Fire Kills One in Tripoli amid Cautious Calm

The northern city of Tripoli enjoyed a cautious calm on Saturday morning after intermittent sniper fire that continued to terrify residents of the neighborhoods of Bab al-Tabbaneh, Jabal Mohsen and nearby areas left one person dead at dawn.

Voice of Lebanon radio (93.3) said one person was killed overnight from sniper fire that had a lower intensity than the past days.

Friday’s new round of fighting that left four dead, and 14 people, including seven soldiers, injured erupted after sniper fire killed Salafist Sheikh Khaled al-Baradei following a meeting held at Premier Najib Miqati’s home between Tripoli’s personalities and security officials on reaching a ceasefire.

The gunmen used machineguns and Rocket Propelled Grenades in the fighting but the sniper fire has terrorized residents who remain confined in their homes.

The army could restore order if the two sides show willingness to do so and if there aren’t any foreign agendas or orders to keep the city on fire, military sources told An Nahar daily.

“The situation is very delicate and some sides have clearly stated that they would not commit to the deal struck at the meeting that was held at PM Miqati’s residence or the meetings that preceded it,” the sources said.

“The next few hours will decide whether the bickering parties would head toward calm or increase the tension on the ground,” they added.

The clashes are between gunmen from the Sunni neighborhood of Bab al-Tabbaneh and the rival district of Jabal Mohsen populated by Alawites.

Syrian President Bashar Assad is a member of Syria's Alawite minority. Rebels fighting his regime are members of the nation's Sunni majority.