Six killed, scores wounded as Syrian conflict spreads to Lebanon's Tripoli

Syrian civil war violence spread to Lebanon, leaving six killed and over 70 wounded including Lebanese army troops in the city of Tripoli as clashes between pro-Syrian regime ( Alawites ) and Lebanese sympathizers of the Syrian revolt (Sunni Muslims) erupted on Monday night. Fighting is still going on in a sign that Lebanon’s history of civil war that occured in 1975 may repeat itself, according to Reuters news agency.

The revolt in Syria heightens tensions in Lebanon, which experienced 30 years of Syrian hegemony and remains deeply divided between supporters and opponents of Assad.

According to the locals, Gunmen in the Sunni district of Bab al-Tabbaneh and their Alawite rivals in Jebel Mohsen exchanged gun and grenade fire in sporadic fighting overnight and all through the next day till this moment.

Tripoli is heavily populated by Sunni Muslims, who support the Free Syrian Army.

Lebanon's national news agency reported that most of Tripoli residents were trapped in their houses and the road remained blocked over sniper fire.

The Lebanese army, already present in the area, was ready for further deployment in Jabal Mohsen and Bab el-Tebbaneh.

The Lebanese army said that ten soldiers were wounded in the clashes as they were trying to calm the situation. "The army continues to pursue the gunmen and was able to seize a quantity of guns, bombs and ammunition," the army stated.

According to MTV station, political sources in Lebanon expressed their confidence that there will be no escalation in Lebanon and that local actors agree on maintaining stability. According to these sources, security breaches will remain under control as the Lebanese political players remain aware of the dangers.

However, Since mid-May, about 40 people died in the fighting in Tripoli over the Syrian crisis.

The Syrian regime is always trying to export his crisis out of his borders, in this case, Lebanon is the target of the regime as there are many supporters to Assad such as Hezbollah. Various Lebanese websites connected between Assad's regime being still on rule and Hezbollah, who will therefore still be controlling Lebanon, and vice-versa. Obviously, there are many military and political leadersin Lebanon who wish the Syrian regime would cease to exist, which in other words mean the end of Hezbollah too.

Hezbollah presents his allegiance to Iran only, and doesn't take any step without Iran's orders and approval. Relation between Hezbollah and Iran is not appreciated by Arab countries, on top of them Lebanon.

Source: http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/08/21/233481.html