Hezbollah hands over 2 checkpoints to Lebanese army

Shiite militia’s move comes a day after an attack in Baalbek, a stronghold of the group, left at least three people dead

By AP 29 September 2013, 4:36 pm

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A Lebanese gunman fires his weapon during clashes that erupted between Hezbollah fighters and residents, in Lebanon’s eastern city of Baalbek, Lebanon, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013 (photo credit: AP)

Lebanese security officials say Hezbollah has handed over control of two checkpoints in an eastern city to the country’s army.

The move Sunday comes a day after a gun battle in Baalbek between members of the Shiite terrorist group and residents left at least three people dead. Hezbollah still has at least three other checkpoints in the city.

Lebanon’s state news agency said army troops have deployed throughout Baalbek, including in the neighborhoods where Saturday’s fighting took place.

Hezbollah set up checkpoints in its strongholds, including Baalbek, after a deadly Aug. 15 bombing in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Many people resent the checkpoints.

Lebanon has been on edge as a result of the civil war in neighboring Syria, and is divided between supporters of the regime and the opposition.