Clashes in northern Lebanon over Syrian war kill 2

Guard of Sunni mosque killed, along with 16-year-old youth; heavy gunfire leaves children trapped in classrooms in 3 schools

BEIRUT (AP) — Clashes between supporters and opponents of the Syrian government have left two people dead in the northern city of Tripoli, Lebanese police officials said Saturday.

The officials said the guard of a Sunni mosque and a 16-year-old youth were killed in Saturday’s clashes. They said children were stuck in classrooms in three schools, unable to move because of the heavy gunfire.

The officials requested anonymity in line with police regulations.

Sectarian clashes related to the Syrian civil war often flare in Tripoli, in particular between two impoverished neighborhoods that back opposite sides.

The Bab Tabbaneh district is largely Sunni Muslim, as are Syria’s rebels fighting against Assad’s rule. Residents of the Jabal Mohsen neighborhood are mostly of the Alawite sect to which Assad belongs.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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