Lebanese army is trying to restore calm in Tripoli Supporters and opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have continued to exchange gunfire in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli. Six people have been killed and more than 42 wounded in overnight clashes between pro-Assad Alawite fighters in the Tripoli neighbourhood of Jabal Mohsen and mainly Sunni gunmen in nearby Bab al-Tabbaneh. Locals reported fighting in areas of Bakkar, Riva, Mankoubeen, Shaarani, Hariri Project and al-Hara al-Baraneya. Tripoli's Autostrade road was closed off by security officials.
Schools and colleges near the areas of the fighting remained closed Tuesday and many businesses decided not to open as well.
Tripoli MP and Future Movement member Samir Jisr said he was baffled by the forces' failure to deal with tensions in Tripoli, adding that the initial dispute began two years ago. "We cannot continue this way. Why are the security forces not intervening? Why have they left snipers to kill people?" asked.
"I have complete faith in the army's ability to resolve the conflict, but six civilians were killed by snipers in two days. Does the caretaker government need to form another caretaker government? Maybe," Jisr added.
Former General Director of Lebanon's Internal Security Forces, Ashraf Rifi issued a statement on Tuesday morning in which he thanked the people of Tripoli and northern Lebanon for coming together to preserve the dignity of their regions, vowing to make any sacrifice needed to make Lebanon great again.
Rifi told his followers to remove his photos and banners from public places, adding he appreciated their support. "We will restore sovereignty and prestige of the country, by putting our body on the line, and making any sacrifice possible," he said.