7 killed in south Lebanon clashes

Lebanese officials say exchange of fire in Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon killed commander of armed group

By Zeina Karam 7 April 2014, 4:33 pm

Edit

Palestinian killed during clashes between two different factions in the refugee camp of Mieh Mieh on the outskirts of the southern Lebanese port of Sidon. The clashes left five people dead and 23 injured. (photo credit: AFP PHOTO / Mahmoud Zayyat)

BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanese security officials say clashes in a Palestinian refugee camp near the southern city of Sidon have killed seven people, including the commander of an armed group.

The officials say at least 10 others were wounded in Monday’s fighting in Mieh Mieh, which broke out between supporters of a former commander of the mainstream Palestinian group Fatah and members of a rival armed group, Ansarullah.

The officials say heavy machine guns and rocket propelled grenades were used in the fighting. They spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Fighting between rival groups is common across Lebanon’s 12 Palestinian refugee camps.

The army blocked all roads leading to the camp later Monday in an effort to contain the fighting.