Sniper Activity, Clashes Renew in Tripoli as Death Toll Reaches 11

Clashes renewed on Thursday in the northern city of Tripoli after a three-day violence linked to the conflict in neighboring Syria, with the death toll reaching 11 as an investigation has been launched in the matter.

Thirty-nine-year-old Hassan Abaydo was shot in the heart by a sniper in the Alawite area of Jabal Mohsen, Agence France Presse reported.

Voice of Lebanon radio said that Ahmed al-Sheikh was also killed in the clashes sweeping the northern city.

Media reports said that an energa-type grenade landed in Syria street, which separates the two rival neighborhoods while another two mortar shells fell on Bab al-Tabbaneh.

Youssef Othman was killed in the afternoon clashes, MTV reported, adding that another man died in the Sunni area of Bab al-Tabbaneh.

At least three others were injured on Thursday among a clergyman, Omar Ismail, and a Lebanese army soldier, bringing the toll to 62.

Meanwhile, the National News Agency reported that the concerned security agencies launched on Thursday an investigation into the unrest.

The investigation, taking place under the supervision of State Commissioner to the Military Court Judge Saqr Saqr, will seek to determine all those involved in the clashes, especially those who opened fire at the army.

Tripoli has been rocked by sectarian tensions linked to the nearly 21-month uprising against President Bashar Assad's regime in Syria.

On Thursday, the army patrolled the restive areas, while snipers held their positions and continued to shoot.

Lebanon is deeply divided over Syria, with Hizbullah, its allies and supporters bitterly opposed to the revolt, and the Sunni-led March 14 movement backing it.

The country was dominated politically and militarily by Damascus for nearly 30 years, until the 2005 assassination of former Premier Rafik Hariri prompted international outrage and forced a Syrian pullout.

The clashes broke out over the weekend in wake of the announcement of the death of a number of Lebanese Islamist fighters, who mainly hail from the North, in the border region of Tall Kalakh in Syria last week.

Media outlets had conflicting information about the number of people who died and those who survived the attack.